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February 23, 1999
To: The Honorable Madeleine K. Albright
Mr. Harold Koh
The Honorable Senator Jesse Helms
The Honorable Senator Joseph Biden
The Honorable Senator Craig Thomas
The Honorable Congressman Benjamin Gilman
From: Indi Soemardjan
Citizen of the Republic of Indonesia
Subject: A Special Request for Comprehensive Electoral Observations
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Dear Madame and Sirs;
The coming Election is a critical step toward a true democratic
Indonesia. Without democracy, there will be no stability. It is
imperative that the
coming elections in Indonesia are fair, open and credible as this will
renew confidence--not only in Indonesia's ability to restore law and
order,
but also in its prospects as a viable place to do business.
The active participation in election monitoring by the international
community, including the United States, is critical to ensure fair, open
and transparent elections. Although President Habibie said that he does
not
oppose the idea of having foreign observers at the Election, he has
never done anything about it. President Habibie has not sent formal
invitations to pro democracy countries and organizations to send
election
observers.
So far, the Government of Indonesia has only welcomed technical support
for the elections, under the coordination of the United Nations
Development
Program. The participation of IRI, NDI, IFES and ACILS are limited to
election assistance. Without the invitation from the Head of the State,
they will not have the mandate to monitor the electoral processes.
Without international observers to monitor the electoral processes and
participate in a comprehensive observations, the elections will be
easily
manipulated and will not be credible.
As member of IMF, World Trade Organization, Bilateral Aid Agencies and
many other international economical aid organizations, the US plays a
key
role. In addition, the S.2334 bill has approved not less than $ 100.
Millions taxpayers' money as economic aid to Indonesia. I am appealing
to the US to withhold all above economic aid to Indonesia, until
President
Habibie demonstrate his seriousness on a democratic election.
Therefore, we request, please do all possible in your capacity to
pressure President Habibie to:
1. invite Asean and Asian countries, Japan, European Union
countries,
Australia, Canada , United States, the Carter Center and other
non-governmental organizations to send election observers to Indonesia
to monitor the electoral processes.
2. request the United Nations to coordinate the international
observers
to participate in comprehensive observations, allowing the
international
observers to be present at any polling station along with national
observers, to monitor the entire electoral process, from voter
registration, campaign and voting processes, ballots distribution and
votes tallying.
In light of the above propositions, I understand that Ms. Madeleine
Albright is planning a
visit to Indonesia, Feb 28 - March 6, 1999 (including to China and
Thailand).
Thank you for your attention and consideration of the matters.
Sincerely,
Indi Soemardjan
Memphis, TN
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
