IV
106TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. RES. 32
Expressing support for, and calling for actions in support of, free, fair,
and transparent elections in Indonesia.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FEBRUARY 2, 1999
Mr. BEREUTER (for himself, Mr. KOLBE, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr.
BLUMENAUER, Mrs. MORELLA, Mr. WELLER, and Mr. KUYKENDALL)
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on International Relations
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for, and calling for actions in support
of, free, fair, and transparent elections in Indonesia.
Whereas Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous coun-
try, 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 sta-
bility 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;
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Whereas in response to overwhelming public demand, long-
time leader (32 years) Soeharto resigned on May 21,
1998;
Whereas elections for the House of Representatives of Indo-
nesia (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 inter-
national interest and technical support for the elections,
under the coordination of the United Nations Develop-
ment Program;
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 Inter-
national Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), and
the American Center for International Labor Solidarity
(ACILS) are providing election assistance throughout In-
donesia; and
Whereas the active participation in election monitoring by the
international community, including the United States
Congress, would contribute meaningfully to the Indo-
nesian 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 finan-
cial and administrative resources, to ensure that the
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parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, 1999,
are free, fair, and transparent, according to inter-
nationally recognized standards, and that an institu-
tional capacity is put in place for free and fair elec-
tions 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 elec-
tions scheduled for June 7 and in the general ses-
sion of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR)
that will elect a new President and Vice President
later in 1999;
(4) appeals to all political leaders and respon-
sible 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 do-
mestic and international nongovernmental organiza-
tions in the areas of voter education, technical as-
sistance, and election monitoring;
(7) acknowledges the important financial sup-
port provided by the United States Agency for Inter-
national Development for the elections;
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(8) calls upon other countries to provide finan-
cial support for the elections as well; and
(9) urges the Speaker and minority leader of
the House of Representatives to designate congres-
sional observers for the June 7, 1999, election.
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