H. Res. 32

In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

March 11, 1999.

Whereas Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country, has the world’s largest Muslim population, and has

repeatedly demonstrated itself to be a good friend of the

United States;

Whereas a stable and democratic Indonesia can continue to

play an important leadership role in the security and stability of Southeast Asia;

Whereas Indonesian national elections in 1955 were judged

to be free and fair, but more recent elections have been

far more problematic;

Whereas in response to overwhelming public demand, longtime leader (32 years) Soeharto resigned on May 21,

1998;

Whereas elections for the House of Representatives of Indonesia (DPR) have been scheduled for June 7, 1999;

Whereas it is in the interests of all Indonesians and friends

of Indonesia that the June 1999 elections be free, fair,

and transparent;

Whereas the Government of Indonesia has welcomed international interest and technical support for the elections,

under the coordination of the United Nations Development Program;
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Whereas United States and international nongovernmental

organizations such as the National Democratic Institute

for International Affairs (NDI), the Asia Foundation, the

International Republican Institute (IRI), the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), and

the American Center for International Labor Solidarity

(ACILS) are providing election assistance throughout Indonesia; and

Whereas the active participation in election monitoring by the

international community, including the United States

Congress, would contribute meaningfully to the Indonesian election: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) supports the aspirations of the Indonesian people for democratic elections;

(2) urges the Government of Indonesia to take all

steps, including the provision of adequate financial and

administrative resources, to ensure that the parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, 1999, are free, fair,

and transparent, according to internationally recognized

standards, and that an institutional capacity is put in

place for free and fair elections in the future;

(3) calls upon the Government of Indonesia to enact

election laws that ensure that the will of the people is

respected, both in the parliamentary elections scheduled

for June 7 and in the general session of the People’s

Consultative Assembly (MPR) that will elect a new

President and Vice President later in 1999;
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(4) appeals to all political leaders and responsible

persons to strive to ensure that the campaign period remains peaceful;

(5) calls upon all Indonesian political parties, the

armed forces, and the pubic at large to respect the results of free and fair elections;

(6) recognizes with approval the activities of domestic and international nongovernmental organizations in

the areas of voter education, technical assistance, and

election monitoring;

(7) acknowledges the important financial support

provided by the United States Agency for International

Development for the elections;

(8) calls upon other countries to provide financial

support for the elections as well; and

(9) urges the Speaker and Minority Leader of the

House of Representatives to designate congressional observers for the June 7, 1999, election.

Attest:

Clerk.