[Marxism] An important development on the Indonesian left

[Tom O'Lincoln]

A few thoughts.

Firstly thanks to Max for filling us in, though of course  this is not a 
philanthropic exercise, he is writing on behalf of the side he supports, and 
I suppose we have to read this against the background of differences inside 
the DSP.

It is interesting that Danial Indrakusuma is taking such a prominent role 
among the minority. He has usually kept a low profile, but I have long 
thought him more influential than, say, Dita Sari. So this split seems 
rather historic, and the new group may not be like earlier breakaways which 
have rapidly disintegrated.

I think Peter's statement is entirely reasonable. Without it many readers 
might imagine the whole DSP agreed with Max.

Bob is quite right, Max is the undoubted Australian left expert (his account 
of 1997 is accurate) and I suspect I will lend up sympathising with the 
group he supports against the other lot. But like Nick I'm in no hurry to 
take sides. Not only have we only seen documents from one side, but 
theoretical correctness isn't the only consideration. Back around 2000 when 
some leading figures led the first split (forming the PDS) I agreed with 
them on many theoretical points, but refused point blank to support them 
against the PRD. (I just continued to support all the revolutionaries.) One 
reason was that their plans for building an organisation struck me as 
seriously flawed; on which point I think subsequent experience has proven me 
right. Another reason is that, like Peter, I didn't think someone should 
casually take sides from long-distance.

I agree with Phil that the main issue is relations with bourgeois parties; 
religion can be a major problem at times but at other junctures it can be of 
negligeable importance. In practice virtually the whole Indonesian left is 
religious.

The  underlying question is why a far left group finds itself so close to 
bourgeois forces. And here I will argue, contrary to Nick, that there is a 
pattern in the PRD's history. Around 1996 I remember quite clear the 
flattering language they used to describe the utterly bourgeois Democratic 
party led by Megawati. PRD leader Budiman Sudjatmiko described her (quoting 
from  memory) as combining the "wisdom of a statesman and the gentleness of 
a mother." By the way, Budiman ultimately defected to Megawati's party.

I'm probably one source of what Nick calls "unfair accusations of 
opportunism" by the PRD towards what he calls the "very mildly liberalising" 
Wahid government. This government was elected by a rotten bloc of Islamic 
and other right wing parties to stop Megawati getting in despite her big 
vote. Partly this was motivated by sexist arguments against women taking 
office, mainly it was an attempt to slow the democratic momentum of the 
time. In 2001, shortly before the Sawangan conference where we were 
arrested, I watched as PRD representatives led chants calling for President 
Wahid to issue a decree dissolving parliament, something that was only 
possible with the connivance of the mililtary. The PRD leaders later 
disavowed those actions (acknowledging confusion) and I accept the 
disavowals were honest; but I don't think it was accidental that the actions 
happened.

The problem is that the PRD was and is very small, but has always tried to 
present itself as bigger than it is, and wield to influence beyond its 
capacity. Lacking its own troops, it tries to use someone else's mass 
forces. In 1996 it was trying to surf to greater influence on the back of 
Megawati's party, then later it tried to do the same with Wahid's party. But 
the tail cannot wag the dog.

I suspect the new problems reflect the same syndrome. An unrealistic attempt 
to form some kind of mass electoral force was a flop, resulting in nothing 
but a somewhat wider network of activists sustained by the PRD (sounds like 
Socialist Alliance?), and the resulting frustrations led to yet another 
unreal manoeuvre, which brought on a split.

But these are just surmises. It would be good to see some documents on both 
sides. As a start, can someone post the Indonesian documents or provide 
links? I believe the DSP has the translators to provide the key ones in 
English, but if necessary I would be happy to translate a document or two.