VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY

Democracy has prevailed in Indonesia.  Long Live Democracy.

Aliran is delighted that President Suharto has finally decided to step down, heeding the demands of the majority of the Indonesians.

His action has certainly averted a situation that could have led to more bloody violence in this stand-off.

Aliran views this recent development as a victory for the democratic forces that had been held at bay by 32 years’ of iron-fist rule.

The immediate task of the interim government will be to adopt a democratic constitution in consultation with the popular personalities who have contributed to this change.

A free and fair election should be held without any unnecessary delay, permitting the participation of all political parties without any restrictions, so that new parliamentarians and a new president will be elected by popular democratic choice.

Every effort must be made to remove Suharto’s cronies from positions of power and dismantle their monopolies and cartels which had benefited a small group at the expense of the masses.

Much needs to be done  -  and quickly -  to promote the Indonesian economic recovery.  Aliran calls upon the international aid agencies, foreign investors and foreign governments to join forces in this endeavour to create a new environment for the rapid recovery of the economy.

Aliran Executive Committee
21 May 1998