[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 75 (Saturday, May 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     POLITICAL CRISIS IN INDONESIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH R. PITTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2001

  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, recent political crises in Indonesia 
underscore the difficult challenges facing the development of democracy 
in that nation and region. The spectrum of issues includes human rights 
violations in Aceh, Irian Jaya, Malukus, Poso, and Padang, the Trisakti 
shooting, corruption cases, mass rapes of Chinese women in May 1998, 
and the upcoming parliamentary actions against President Wahid. At this 
moment, democracy in its infancy is being seriously challenged in 
Indonesia. No great principle or ideology, however, survives without 
facing serious challenges--challenges that can be surmounted with great 
sacrifice and leadership. Democracy is a principle for which it is 
worth fighting. And, I trust that the people of Indonesia and their 
leaders will continue to make every effort to see that democracy is 
established firmly so that the Indonesian people will enjoy true 
prosperity and peace.
  Last June I led a delegation to Indonesia and shared with President 
Wahid deep concern about the presence of Laskar Jihad in the Malukus 
and the widespread violence and bloodshed perpetrated by this group. 
The President indicated he had ordered Laskar Jihad to leave and stay 
out--an encouraging sign for the suffering people in Maluku. Several 
weeks ago reports detailed the arrest of the leader of Laskar Jihad, 
Mr. Jafar Umar Thalib. Many hoped that the turmoil and killings in the 
Malukus would finally come to an end. Important progress has been made 
among the Moluccans themselves, both the Muslims and the Christians, 
with reconciliation, rehabilitation and the rebuilding programs for 
people in the Malukus. This reflects a foundation and strong desire for 
the Moluccan people to reconcile without interference from militant and 
extremist groups such as Laskar Jihad.
  Unfortunately, continued reports from Indonesia about the arrest and 
then release of leaders promoting violence, particularly the release of 
Mr. Jafar Thalib from police custody, have discouraged many within 
Indonesia. There are widespread implications of the release of an 
individual who seems to only promote violence, bloodshed, and division. 
Mr. Thalib's, and other militant leaders' desires undermine the 
establishment and continued development of democracy, civil society, 
freedom, and peace for the people of Indonesia. In addition, the 
proposals of some groups to impose Sharia law on the entire nation 
raises great concerns. One is hard-pressed to find a country anywhere 
in the world in which democracy and Sharia law coexist.
  The unrest and strife resulted in $90 billion in foreign investment 
leaving Indonesia in the year 2000. Yet, the international business 
community hopes to return investment to Indonesia and increase business 
and therefore jobs for local economies. Lack of rule of law and civil 
society create instability--an environment that threatens any economic 
growth. Businesses will find other markets in which to grow in Asia.
  I, and many other Members of Congress, fully support the 
establishment and development of democracy in Indonesia. Civil society 
and stability will create a lasting atmosphere in which the beauty, 
diversity, and resources of Indonesia and the Indonesian people can 
grow and be enjoyed in peace and prosperity.

                          ____________________