Use Ramadhan for introspection, minister says
Use Ramadhan for introspection, minister says
JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman stressed the importance of introspection, particularly for those who consider themselves community leaders.
Though he did not refer to any specific person or organization, Soesilo's statement comes amid the controversy and internal bickering in several leading social-political organizations.
He said that the Moslem fasting month should be used to "heighten self-restraint and understanding in order to strengthen national unity and unite form and content."
Moslems revere the month of Ramadhan as a holy month in which they fast and try to conduct themselves as well as possible. This year Ramadhan goes from Jan. 22 to Feb. 19.
Both the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), a mass Moslem organization, and the minority Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) have been embroiled in internal conflicts lately.
There have been suggestions that some elements in the government have had a hand in fueling the conflict in the two organizations. NU chairman Abdurrahman Wahid and members of the PDI are known to be vocal critics of the government.
However, responding to questions from journalists, Soesilo said that "It is no longer relevant for the government to intervene in social or political organizations,".
The continuing disputes at the two organizations, some of which have been going on for two-years, have prompted calls for government arbitration and facilitation to find an acceptable solution.
Soesilo maintained that the government should restrain itself from intervening.
"That's the way it is supposed to be," he remarked.
Soesilo spoke after chairing a monthly meeting on political and security issues with fellow cabinet members. Attending the meeting were Foreign Minister Ali Alatas, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung, Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman, Attorney General Singgih, and the head of the National Intelligence Coordinating Board (BAKIN) Soedibyo.
Commenting on recent reports that PDI members were planning to nominate their chief Megawati Soekarnoputri, the eldest daughter of late President Sukarno, Soesilo said it was the prerogative of that party to do so. "Go ahead and nominate her," he remarked.
When further pressed why the Association of Retired Servicemen (Pepabri), which Soesilo chairs, had not yet formally expressed its backing for a presidential candidate, he replied that it was not the time yet.
He said that the General Assembly of the People's Representative Council (MPR) which elects the president is not due to convene until 1998 and that thus there was ample time left.
Pepabri would probably declare its endorsement during the MPR's General Assembly, he said.
The Indonesian Legion of Veterans, which is headed by former cabinet minister Achmad Taher on Monday officially endorsed President Soeharto's nomination for another presidential term.
"If you want to nominate someone else, go ahead," he said. (mds)