By Max Lane
The launch of the People's Democratic Union (PRD) on May 2 has continued to stir controversy in Indonesia.
Soon after the launch of the activist-based pro-democracy movement, Soesilo Soedarman, the minister for politics and security, stated: "The PRD is not legal. There are only three political vehicles recognised by the government: PPP [United Development Party], Golkar [the government party] and the PDI [Indonesian Democratic Party]. The government will take firm action."
The director-general of social political affairs of the Home Affairs Ministry, Sutoyo NK, warned that if the PRD put up resistance, "The police will disband them forcibly".
This hardline position was countered by former general Harsudiono Hartas, now deputy chairperson of the Supreme Advisory Council, a state advisory body appointed by the president. Hartas was quoted in Media Indonesia on May 5: "The PRD was formed because the political culture and mechanisms are blocked. The youth and students are looking for another way to struggle for their aspirations."
At the same time, Jakob Tobing, one of the chairpersons of Golkar, told the press that the government shouldn't act too hastily in condemning the PRD as outside the law. On the other hand, Agung Laskono, chair of the National Council of Leaders of Golkar, said the formation of the PRD was "unconstitutional".
At the centre of the controversy over the legality of the PRD is Law No 3 of 1985, which allows only three political parties. Professor Ichlasul Amal, from Gajah Mada State University, in a commentary in Detik weekly, pointed out that the law applies only to political organisations participating in elections: "If they're not participating in elections, why ban them?"
Detik, however, also elaborated on the fact that Law No 3/85 itself has been defended constitutionally on the grounds that it implements Clause 28 of the Indonesian constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and organisation. The problem is, points out the magazine, that Golkar controls the parliament and therefore can pass laws guaranteeing its "political hegemony".
Aber Sihaloho, from the Indonesian Democratic Party, stated strong approval of the founding of the PRD, saying it was a manifestation of current frustrations with the political infrastructure. According to him, "Law 3/85 should be concerned with technical and other matters and shouldn't be imposing restrictions on people".
Sugeng Bahagijo, president of the PRD, has told the press that the PRD is open to receive new members. "Farmers, workers, students, intellectuals and others are all welcome as long as they share our concerns with the development of democracy in Indonesia." Sugeng also announced that the PRD is planning to expand its organisation outside of Java.