SOLIDARITY STATEMENT
The World Student
Christian Movement Asia-Pacific Region issues the following statement in
solidarity with the
21 May 1998
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We follow with great concern the current economic, social and political
situation, in
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We urge political change within
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We support efforts for economic, political and legal reform, which will
lead to a more just, democratic and participatory social and political system
as well as a more transparent government administration.
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We demand the immediate release of all political prisoners and an
immediate end of human rights abuses. In particular, we wish to express our
grief at the inhumane treatment of students and pro-democracy activists
demanding political reform.
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We consider the current economic instability and subsequent hardship for
the Indonesian People to be directly related both to undemocratic and corrupt
rule, and to the structural adjustment of the Indonesian economy imposed by
international financial agencies, particularly the International Monetary Fund
(IMF). We believe that the pressure applied by such financial institutions and
conditional foreign aid has severely and detrimentally affected the Indonesian
people and their society.
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In addition, we believe that interfaith life should be promoted on all
levels. Destructive actions, particularly attacks on places of spiritual
importance must end, as they reflect disdain for all religions and a
humiliation of all human beings.
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We offer our support and solidarity to those who work for change and for
those. who will work to regain well-being for the Indonesian nation once the
current unrest ends. We support your efforts for promoting justice, communal
harmony, unity and prosperity for the Indonesian people.