Jakarta – A Coalition of the Democratic Movement (Koalisi Garakan Demokrasi), which will gather together political [opposition] figures outside of the government, will soon form a pressure group and "moral force" to push for total reform. The coalition will be a single open movement to unite the similar steps [being taken] and perceptions by a number of social groups for complete reform.

The founding meeting of the Coalition of the Democratic Movement was held at the home of the head of [the Islamic mass organisation] Nahdlatul Ulama, Abdurrahman Wahid, in Ciganjur, South Jakarta on Saturday (4/7). Aside from Gus Dur [who Wahid is popularly called], the meeting was attended by [ousted leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party] Megawati Sukarnoputri, Prof Dr Emil Salim, Prof Subroto, Nursyahbani Katjasungkana, Arbi Sanit and Tarto Sudiro. The head of [the Islamic mass organisation] Muhammadiyah, Amien Rais, who it was hoped would attend, had not arrived by 10pm.

According to Subroto who chaired the meeting, the discussions between the figures represented a process of forming a coalition which will be made up of a number of leaders and social organisations. "This coalition is intended to [work toward] complete reform. It is open to anyone at all". For this [to happen], the coalition's supporters are aware and clear that what is needed is united steps [toward] and perceptions [to achieve] total reform. The coalition will grow big because it will be established from all currents in Jakarta and the regions, from workers to scholars.

Subroto said the Coalition for the Democratic Movement will not become a party or a social organisation. "However if later there is a party which want's to join the coalition, yeh, it's open", said the former minister of mining.

When asked hadn't forums or movements of this kind already been established, Subroto said that the coalition is in fact the bringing together of such forums. In a short time, the Coalition for the Democratic Movement will be announced followed by its program. Subroto said that all of the national figures who are concerned about [achieving] complete reform will be gathered. What about Amien Rais? "Yeh, [including] Amien Rais, he holds an important position in society. He is the leader of Muhammadiyah", said Subroto.

When asked if the coalition will automatically become part of the opposition against the government, Subroto did not answer directly. "We are a movement which want's to urge the government to form a new system", he said. The coalition will urge all elements of society to change the economic system and the economics which have brought us to this terrible situation.

"Will the coalition act as a pressure group?" asked a journalist. Subroto answered that as a group or movement, the coalition will push for complete change in all aspects of life, politics, economy, culture and morality.

Subroto explained that the coalition will utilise all channels to present their views, including meeting with the president. "The coalition will soon hold a dialogue with the government", he said.

When asked if the coalition is really [trying to] overthrow the President Habibie, Subroto laughed, "Those are your words", he answered. He explained that the momentum for reform seems to have been lost. "The reform [process] has no focus, has veered off course. This issue was what prompted the formation of the coalition", he said.

With regard to whether the coalition will use the mass movement to put forward its views, Subroto said that in the process of consolidating and forming the coalition, that issue would be discussed.

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski]