Archbishop of Jakarta: "Catholics! Vote for Those Who Serve the Common Good"

Jakarta (AsiaNews) The Jakarta Diocese has published a small booklet containing guidelines for Catholics to enable them better understand the electoral process that will culminate in the July 5 vote for the presidency. There are about 7 million Catholics in a country of 220.

The Indonesian Church has expressed no preference for any of the five candidates running and has remained politically neutral. Contrary to Protestants who have founded their own confessional party, there is no Catholic party. For some missionaries in Jakarta this is evidence of the Indonesian Church choosing prudence and discretion.

The Archbishop of Jakarta Cardinal Darmaatmadja has published a booklet offering some practical advice about the voting process and giving certain guidelines as to how Catholics can judge candidates. The booklet can help Catholics choose the candidate who is closest to the social teachings of the Church.

Here are the seven rules about choosing the best presidential candidate as suggested by the Cardinal.

1. Respect for the five national principles of Pancasila, namely belief in the one and only God, in a just and civilised humanity, in the unity of Indonesia, in democracy, and in social justice ;

2. promotion of the equality of all citizens including religious and ethnic minorities;

3. integrity in both personal life and private affairs;

4. courage in choosing justice and in upholding the law;

5. striving to overcome the serious problems facing the country by promoting economic development, literacy, human rights, environmental protection and social welfare;

6. leading a personal life free of any accusation of corruption or of violating human rights;

7. ability to act as a statesman for the common good without using the office for personal gain.

The booklet also gives Catholics practical advice for voting responsibly:

1. Look for credible information about the candidates;

2. pay attention to any negative views of the candidates;

3. show interest in public debates;

4. decide by elimination: reject any candidates whose values are incompatible with yours;

5. evaluate the candidates' goals;

6. keep a tab on promises made during the election campaign;

7. talk and exchange ideas with people you trust;

8. remain friends with anyone who voted differently from you.