Student leaders want changes in political system
Student leaders want changes in political system
JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of powerful student organizations on
Saturday called for major changes in the current political system
and to put sovereignty back in the hands of the people.
Five student organizations who are linked in the so-called
Cipayung Group held a seminar on Saturday to review the political
situation in connection with Indonesia's 49th independence
anniversary. The meeting was held at the office of the State
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports in Jakarta.
Speakers at the seminar agreed that the time has now come to
change the political system, including allowing the formation of
new political parties.
Political parties should also be given complete independence
in running their own affairs, the speakers said.
"Put sovereignty back in the hands of the people," said Egie
Sudjana of the Association of Moslem Students (HMI). "Let people
choose and determine their national leadership and give them the
opportunity to convey their aspirations."
The present system has virtually given sovereignty to the
government, a situation that borders on tyranny, he said.
Yusril Ihsa of the Association of Indonesian Moslem Students
(PMII) said political parties should be run independently and
given a chance to play their role to speak on behalf of the
people.
"It's a shameful irony that the government has been
intervening in internal affairs of political parties," he said.
He said he found it deplorable that leaders of the United
Development Party (PPP) are having to obtain the blessings of the
government and the military in order to run for the party's
chairmanship election at its congress this week.
Subordinated
Michael of the Association of Indonesian Catholic Students
(PMKRI) said the legislative body, the Supreme Court and
political parties should be reinvigorated because they are the
institutions that play a crucial role in any democracy.
"If we want to make changes, the legislative body should be
given independence to truly reflect the people's aspirations, the
supremacy of the law should be upheld, and political parties
should be allowed to touch base with the masses," he said.
Under the present system, the legislative and judicature
branches' position have been virtually subordinated to that of
the executive branch, he said.
Muchiar Yara of the Movement of Indonesian Nationalist
Students (GMNI) said Indonesia has been wavering between
democracy and authoritarianism.
"We are using a double standard," he said, "And we, the
students, have also indirectly contributed to this mistake, for
it has been made through a long process."
He said the young generation, especially students, should not
simply speak out on issues of democracy but also take concerted
actions to seek changes in the political system.
Egie called on all students' associations to form an alliance,
or set up a new party, to change the political system.
"Let's put our differences aside and unite in an alliance to
fight for democracy," he said, adding that the alliance should
not be seen as an opposition against the government. (rms)