This approach will require the advisory service and technical assistance to play a greater role, which in turn would provide true meaning to the international cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights. Madame Chair, Indonesia is now undergoing a process of unprecedented and fundamental reforms. As outlined by President Habibie in his national address before the House of Representatives on 15 August 1998, the changing Indonesia will be vitalized by a total reform in all fields, notably in political, economic, social and legal sectors. The objectives of the reforms are to restore the socio-economic condition, to enhance democratic political life, and to enforce laws. At the core of the reforms is human rights promotion and protection.
Human rights is placed as an all-encompassing element of the reforms.
Under this new political environment, unhindered freedom of speech and open criticism, as well as the omnipresence of public demonstrations, freedom of the press, the release of political prisoners, the emergence of fifty or so new political parties and the ever growing number of human rights NGOs are now matters of everyday realities. The current government is endeavoured to bring forward its ability to answer the daunting challenges of leading the country in the midst of economic turmoil and mounting social problems. As human rights become a hall mark of the government's drive for reforms, it is making rigorous and continued efforts to enhance the national capacity for their promotion and protection. In this context, the government has taken strategic steps to strengthen institution and legislation in order to provide a structural framework conducive for the promotion and protection of human rights. In addition, the government has also taken measures to redress past human rights abuses with a view to expedition the reconciliation process, released political prisoners and engaged in dialogues with various groups.