What do the panelists have to say about 2002

Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara, lawyer, chairman of the Institute for Public Study and Advocacy Foundation: "I'm concerned about the government's plan to introduce an antiterrorism bill. Here is a bill that is so repressive that it would annul existing legislation that guarantees our democratic rights."

Antonius Sujata, former government prosecutor, now chairman of the National Ombudsman Commission: "Even if we can agree that we need to reform the system, where do we start? Should we start with the legal instruments or the institutions? I think we need to start with the judiciary, that is with the Supreme Court."

Azyumardi Azra, Muslim thinker, lecturer at Syarif Hidayatulah State Academy of Islamic Studies (IAIN) Jakarta: "The portrait of Indonesia is quite gloomy, but it is not entirely without hope. We need to accelerate the current reformation process, particularly in three areas: constitutional reforms, institutional reforms and cultural reforms."

Benny Pasaribu, economist, member of the House of Representatives for PDI Perjuangan: "First and foremost, we need to maintain this nation's cohesion without politicizing every conflict or difference. We need to build a tradition of respect; respect for differences, respect for each other."

Gilbert Wiryadinata: businessman and vice chairman of Indonesian Chinese Association (INTI): "When we talk about cultural reforms, we must also inculcate patriotic sentiments in people. If we ourselves do not care for Indonesia, then who else would care for us. It is really up to us. I really feel a strong sense of nationalism is crucial."

Ignas Kleden, sociologist, lecturer and executive director of the Go-East Institute: "Political democratization is one thing, democratic culture is another. You want to fight for political democratization, by all means go ahead, but don't expect that the newfound freedom would automatically lead to greater cultural creativity."

Mochtar Pabottingi: political scientist, researcher at National Institute of Sciences (LIPI): "We need to start with constitutional reforms because they are at the apex in the hierarchy of all laws. I think we need to form a constitutional commission, and I fully concur with the opinion that we need to do some cleaning up in the judiciary and promote good governance."

Mohamad Sobary, writer, columnist and chairman of the Antara national news agency: "The reform agenda has rarely touched cultural reformation. We need to redefine our 'Indonesianess', something that will define our attitude, spirit, way of thinking, cultural orientation, character and behavior that in turn would support our coexistence as one nation."

Mubyarto, economics professor at Gadjah Mada University and former advisor to the chief economics minister: "I strongly believe in the resilience of the people's economy in spite of what other people say. Sure, this sector has its problems, but we should focus on the positive aspects. If only we took the trouble to study its strengths."

M. Chatib Basri, associate director of the Institute of Economics and Social Research at the University of Indonesia: "I don't want to be too pessimistic. I think the best-case scenario is for us to muddle through 2002. Under the present circumstances, we have to set our priorities. We need first institutional reform, and economic and political reform will follow."

Pande Radja Silalahi, economist at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): "As a nation, we seem to be at a complete loss, without any bargaining power. The problems facing the Republic are not insolvable. We do have bargaining power. We need to grab our chances. That's what reform is all about. People tend to forget about our own strength and lose their self-respect."

Rustriningsih, PDI Perjuangan politician, regent of Kebumen (Central Java): "I'm very very optimistic that reforms will bring people to a higher level of prosperity. For this to happen, we need support from everyone. From my experience, we need to trust the people more to do what they think is right. We need to empower them more."

Smita Notosusanto, executive director of the Centre for Electoral Reforms (CETRO): When we talk about reform, we have to look at the system in its entirety. The system is the structure and the Constitution is the legal foundation for our house. Without a system that builds true representation and accountability, we cannot have a legitimate government.

Soedjati Djiwandono, political columnist, analyst at the Research Institute for Democracy and Peace (RIDeP): All things considered, we are really fighting against injustices ... If some regions are asking for a separate state or for more autonomy, this is really a reflection of their struggle for justice.