OPINION: The return of the old New Order measures?
The Jakarta Post, 1 June 2004. While all five presidential candidates vehemently flaunt their commitment to upholding human rights and democratization, some members of the House of Representatives and security authorities seem to be throwing spikes down onto the path of civil society toward democratic consolidation, preparing for an ambush. On May 26, after a meeting with House Commission I, National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M. Hendropriyono announced the agency was probing into an earlier report concerning the activities of 20 local and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These NGOs have allegedly produced reports that could instigate national security concerns during the presidential election. Further investigation to compile more incriminating evidence is also said to be underway. The government took a rather defensive position in response to the NGOs' reports and claimed a right to take measures against those who threatened national interests, which