Statement of concern
Under the leadership of Gus Dur (Abdurrachman Wahid), Let. Gen. (ret.) Bambang Triantoro, Let. Gen.(ret.) Kharis Suhud, Frans Seda, Matori Abdul Djalil, and other prominent figures, a statement of concern has been issued which has been forwarded to the Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly/House of Representatives. Anybody in support of its contents and aim was encouraged to sign the statement. I don't understand, however, how signatures from all over Indonesia were collected. Obviously not all could come to Jakarta to put his/her signature to the document. I would like Gus Dur to explain.
On the whole the statement of concern contains three main ideas:
1. The unity of Indonesia. The authors of the statement contend that the nation is drifting away from the national archipelagic concept.
2. The principles of Pancasila democracy and the provisions of the 1945 Constitution are being increasingly ignored, in particular with regard to the concept that sovereignty rests with the people. It is obvious that so far i.e. during the New Order government Pancasila has not been completely implemented in the practical life. The principle of a society based on the rule of law is still ignored by many, and power and violence still often take precedence over other means of seeking solutions to problems.
3. The lack of humanitarian values befitting a free people, relating to the general welfare of society. Politics, business, law and security are felt not to serve the interest of the people as a whole, but rather to benefit a certain group who dominate politics and business. Even the government itself often violates the law and regulations. This is reflected in the fact that the Presidential Instructions and Decrees are used more often than the provisions of the law. Those laws that have already been passed by the House of Representatives (DPR) are not free of flaws. Human rights are frequently violated. Corruption is still endemic.
I was born before 1945, and thus experienced the ups and downs of the revolution during Indonesia's struggle for independence, the Trikora movement which included the freeing of West Irian (Irian Jaya), the annihilation of the Indonesian communists (PKI) and now the New Order with its development. I feel real concern over the present condition of our country. The bureaucrats, politicians, economists, and military men belong mostly to the post-1945 generation. How could they act so arbitrarily. The representatives of the people (MPR/DPR) do not fulfill their function properly, and are too afraid to voice people's aspirations and defend them. And the Supreme Court and other judiciary bodies have become places where the law is bought and sold. There is no such thing as press freedom. Even personal letters are censored. Where is Indonesia heading?
Let us give our support to the statement of concern, because it reflects the people's conscience and is a warning to the power-holders to return to the path of the ideals of our Aug. 17, 1945 proclamation.
SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO
Jakarta