Introduction
The following discussion was written based on
interviews conducted by Jurnal Bersatu (Journal of
Unity) editorial staff with a number of people’s
organisations. The spectrum and “political
groupings” along with the sectors and class of
organisation were several of the considerations in
the choice of the groups that were interviewed.
Nevertheless there were two organisations – the
People’s Movement Alliance for Agrarian Reform
(AGRA) and the United People’s Party (PPR) who on
the eve of the publication of this journal were
unable to be interviewed.
Fisherpeople’s organisations
Arbani Nikahi, Chairperson Saijaan Fishers Union (INSAN)
Reformasi has not brought any significant changes to
fisherpeople’s lives. They continue to suffer and
the government is still controlled by parties that
only prioritise themselves and their own group’s
interests.
The principle issues facing fisherpeople
The urgent issue for fisherpeople is the problem of
fuel and the marketing of the fish catch. These
issues are not just urgent for INSAN fisherpeople,
but for fisherpeople throughout South Kalimantan,
even perhaps throughout Indonesia.
The current state of the fisherpeople’s movement
Up until now, INSAN fishers are still struggling
over the price of fuel which is becoming steadily
higher while supplies are becoming scarcer. But
INSAN itself already has a cooperative. In Kota Baru
itself, there is a communication network between
fishers and INSAN has even developed relations with
other regions.
Aims of the struggle
The aims of INSAN’s struggle is first, to reform the
government so that it has a vision that holds the
values of openness and siding with the people in the
highest esteem, and second, building a society that
has a level of awareness about the existing
conditions and is able to organise itself.
People’s movement unity
Unity is indeed a necessity, but it has to be
supported by social autonomy that can only be
created with an economic wing that is able to
support the people’s movement. This need for unity
itself is understood by other movement groups but
the obstacle is economic problems.
Political parties
Political parties are a strategic necessity and it
would be better if the various elements in the
movement built a party jointly rather than building
individual parties.
The 2OO9 elections
The 2009 elections are not important because it will
not produce anything. So INSAN’s position with
regard to the 2009 elections is to golput
(abstaining from voting).