Issue of Communism Raked Up to Draw Public Attention: VP Kalla

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla has opined that the issue of communism, which came up recently, was not a threat but was merely an attempt to attract public attention.

"I am not sure that in the current circumstances, communism will grow in any country in the world. Therefore, I think the issue of communism has been created by certain parties to attract public attention, and it could be," the vice president stated on Friday.

Kalla made the statement in response to the reemergence of the issue of communism and the confiscation of several materials spreading communist propaganda.

The vice president noted that communism was an ideology, which had proven to be unsuccessful. Kalla further pointed out that the ideology of communism no longer existed in countries, such as Russia, China, and Eastern Europe.

"The Communist Party does exist, but it is democratic to a certain degree, and I am not sure whether such an ideology exists," he clarified.

Furthermore, the vice president stated that North Korea was the only remaining communist state, while the ideology had changed in other countries, such as Cuba.

National Police Chief General Badrodin Haiti noted here on Thursday that growing instances of communist propaganda being circulated in the country during recent days had raised public concern and had resulted in unrest in society.

"A certain phenomena has emerged, which is evident from the various discussions and assemblies being held in addition to the use of communism-related attributes," General Badrodin revealed in Jakarta on Thursday (May 12).

In response to this trend, the police are taking swift steps to prevent irresponsible parties from capitalizing on these conditions.
(WDY)