Gus Dur's Speech, August 7, 2000: New Order Collapses, Separatism Movements Are Mushrooming

Gus Dur as President of the Republic of Indonesia gave a speech before the People's Consultative Assembly. (gusdurian.net)

JAKARTA – In memory of today, 22 years ago, August 7, 2000, President Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur gave a speech in front of the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). He talks a lot. The main reason for the collapse of the New Order (Orba). In fact, Orba's impact collapsed everywhere.

The emergence of separatist movements in several areas, one of them. The emergence was due to several regions that felt dissatisfied under Indonesia. Moreover, Indonesia's development at that time was often Java-centric. Alias the focus of development is solely on Java.

No one doubts the strong influence of the New Order. The highest power is dominated by the central government. In fact, the legislature and judiciary can't do much. When the New Order leadership, President Suharto, gave instructions, surely those instructions had to be carried out.

All 'forced' one vote. Because, no one dared to oppose him in government. The conditions are different in the field. Suharto's authoritarian leadership was criticized. He is considered a leader who uses the military as a tool to maintain his existence.

The dislike of the New Order became even more intense during the 1997-1998 monetary crisis. The dislike grew even more when Suharto stepped down. The dissolution of the New Order also affected several parts of Indonesia who were not satisfied with being led by Indonesia. They want to be free.

Perpetuating the separatist movement is an option. The Third President of the Republic of Indonesia, Abdurrahman Wahid, from the beginning has observed this. he also discussed it before the MPR Annual Session, August 7, 2000.

“This psychological atmosphere is the beginning of the journey of the reformed government. The main problems we face during the transition of power are the emergence of symptoms of national disintegration due to social conflicts with primordial nuances, the birth of separatist movements in several regions, as well as rampant acts of anarchy and crime among the people accompanied by acts of violence.”

“All of this has caused anxiety and lowered the sense of security. The enthusiasm for investment has decreased, unemployment has increased, and social welfare has fallen sharply, especially in areas hit by riots,” said the man who is familiarly called Gus Dur in his speech.

Gus Dur considered the symptoms to be reasonable. This is because the emergence of the separatist movement is a form of protest in an area that has been considered less attention by the government. As a result, the unity of Indonesia can be destroyed.

The massive separatism movement was seen in Aceh and Irian Jaya. Gus Dur appealed to all elements of society to unite to resolve the conflict. After all, all kinds of problems can be solved as long as they sit together.

"In other words, politically, our country and nation are now facing the threat of territorial disintegration through separatist movements, and the threat of national disintegration through conflicts between religious adherents and between ethnic groups."

"Therefore, once again there is no other choice for all of us but to unite steps and mobilize all the energy we have to solve these fundamental problems," concluded Gus Dur.