Indonesia defends ban on communism
JAKARTA: A senior government minister on Saturday defied President
Abdurrahman Wahid's call for a lifting of the ban on communism, arguing that
the ideology would undermine the country's religious beliefs.
"It is not necessary to revoke the ... decree issued in 1966," Law Minister
Yusril Ihza Mahendra said. "It outlaws the teachings of Marxism, Leninism
and communism, which run against Indonesia's religious faiths."
Wahid has repeatedly insisted that the ban must be revoked in the interest
of democracy, saying it violated basic human rights.
Wahid's comments drew sharp criticism from Muslim groups, including the
Crescent Star Party, which is led by Mahendra. They said communist teachings
should remain banned because they promote atheism.
"In my opinion, the decree should be maintained," Yusril told reporters
before a Cabinet meeting at the presidential palace.
The ban on communist organizations and teachings was imposed following an
abortive coup allegedly instigated by the Indonesian Communist Party in
September 1965.
An estimated 500,000 members of the party, then the world's third-largest
with about 20 million followers, were slaughtered in the aftermath of the
coup. About 600,000 others were arrested. (AP)
For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service
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