Yakarta (Agenzia Fides) – Religious minority groups in Indonesia are calling for guarantee of security, respect for basic rights, and civil liberties during the electoral campaign leading up to elections scheduled for July 8, in the most populated Islamic nation in the world.
176 million voters will have to choose from among 3 candidates: incumbent President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and another two candidates: Megawati Sukarnoputri (President during 2001-2004 and daughter of Sukarno, the first President of the independent Indonesia), and current Vice-President Yusuf Kalla, who did not reach an agreement with Yudhoyono and decided to run on his own.
Yudhoyono, a 59 year-old ex-general, is the favored in the race. He could even avoid the second round (scheduled in September) if he wins the majority of the votes on July 8. He defines himself as a “centrist” and was the first Indonesian President to be elected by universal direct vote, six years after the fall of the dictator Suharto, who governed for 32 years. Yudhoyono, who has been in office for 5 years, has promised voters “a reform program” and the “fight against corruption.” His government seems to have been prudent and successful in withstanding the economic crisis. The Gross National Product has grown 4.4% in the first trimester of 2009. He also has an alliance with the main Islamic parties that have not been capable of presenting their own candidate.
Megawati Sukarnoputri is seeking a return to the political scene, leading the Democratic Indonesian Party (PDI-P). However, she has also chosen the controversial former general Prabowo Subianto as her Vice-President.
In the political debate underway, as the candidates seek support and consensus from all areas of Indonesian society, religious minorities, including the Christian Churches present in the country, have manifest their support for the “Pancasila” (the five main principles that govern the state) and their resistance of the Islamization of society.
In recent days, the Indonesian Bishops have encouraged the faithful to “vote according to their conscience, choosing the best candidate for the good of the country,” warning of the subtle use of religious symbols in politics.
The country already held legislative elections this past April, for Parliament members. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/6/2009)