Current Laws Are Too Liberal, Army Retiree Says

Lt. Gen. (Ret) Kiky Syahnakrie, Chairman of the Army Retiree (Purnawirawan TNI ADI - PPAD) Research Institution, claims a foreign non-governmental organization affiliated with the United States Democratic party has intervened in the constitutional amendment process. "The National Democratic Institution donated USD 45 million to the amendment process between 1999-2002," Kiky said at Airlangga University, Wednesday (8/2).

During a roundtable discussion, Kiky explained that many amended articles have a liberal slant. "Sofyan Efendi stated that 82,5 percent of the amendments reflect a liberal paradigm," Kiky asserted.

As a result, Kiky said, the 61 laws that implement the 1945 Constitution are too liberal. "For example, the Investment Law, which allows foreign investors to control Indonesian natural resources for 195 years and control 95 percent of shares in an Indonesian company is too liberal," he emphasized.

Kiky asserted that PPAD and the public have created a formula to prevent modern colonization through legislation. "We asked the parliament to reconsider the amendments. However, they do not have the same mindset," Kiky explained.

More interesting, however, is that one day after Kiky publicly voiced his opinion, some US companies affiliated with the US-ASEAN Business Council visited the Legislative Body at the Indonesian House of Representatives. They wanted to know what bills are currently being discussed by the parliament and government.

Alexander C. Feldman, President of the Council, explained that the Council represents 115 US companies, and said he was satisfied with the visit. The visit was a reciprocal visit, after the Legislative Body visited the US for a comparative study on Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies.

"We hope for lasting cooperation. Many industries have joined the Council, and we are glad to provide recommendations for every law being discussed," said Alexander.

(Ali Salmande / Pirhot Nababan)