Muslim Leader Heads New Party in Indonesia
Popular Muslim leader Amien Rais launched his new National Mandate Party before 20,000 supporters Sunday, promising to fight for pluralism, equality and reform.
“The party is made up of Indonesians representing different beliefs and schools of thought, ethnicity, race, religion and gender,” he said at a stadium in central Jakarta. “Our unity is founded on agreement about fundamental principles and political goals.”
These goals include changes in the armed forces and wide-ranging land reform.
Rais also promised economic reform. He criticized the regime of ousted President Suharto for “economic development which favored selected capitalists and businessmen, primarily through corrupt, nepotistic and collusive practices.”
Only three political parties have official recognition. In the wake of the unrest that led to Suharto’s resignation in May, his successor, B.J. Habibie, has promised to relax the rules.
More than 50 parties have been launched since Habibie took office and pledged general elections in mid-1999. They are awaiting recognition by the government, which is drafting new electoral laws.
Rais has commanded popular support as chairman of the influential Muslim group Muhammadiyah, which claims to have about 28 million followers.
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