H. Res. 32
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
March 11, 1999.
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;
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;
•HRES 32 EH
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 peo-
ple 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 parliamen-
tary 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;
•HRES 32 EH
(4) appeals to all political leaders and responsible
persons to strive to ensure that the campaign period re-
mains peaceful;
(5) calls upon all Indonesian political parties, the
armed forces, and the pubic at large to respect the re-
sults of free and fair elections;
(6) recognizes with approval the activities of domes-
tic 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 ob-
servers for the June 7, 1999, election.
Attest:
Clerk.