Another 'GAM' is born ?<\/p>\n
The public was recently treated to another surprise twist in
\nthe development of local democracy through the creation of \"GAM\",
\nnot related to the separatist movement in Aceh, i.e. Gerakan Aceh
\nMerdeka (GAM), as one might mistakenly conclude, but involving
\nthree prominent politicians as stakeholders.<\/p>\n
They are former president and influential cleric Abdurrahman
\n\"Gus Dur\" Wahid, former House of Representatives speaker Akbar
\nTanjung and former president and chairwoman of the Indonesian
\nDemocratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Megawati Soekarnoputri. You
\nhave \"G\" for \"Gus Dur\", \"A\" for Akbar and \"M\" for Megawati, and
\ntogether they are \"GAM\", which has nothing to do with the old
\nGAM.<\/p>\n
This \"GAM\" is designed to ensure that the government of
\nPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono does not deviate from its
\noriginal course and to criticize it if, in their opinion, it
\nmakes mistakes. In other words, \"GAM\" is intended to serve as an
\nextra opposition in the legislative body, so to speak.<\/p>\n
Its unofficial spokesman, Agung Laksono, on one occasion
\nsuggested that the public be invited to channel any grievances to
\n\"GAM\" in order that they would have a greater impact on the
\nexecutive side. Susilo's administration, therefore, cannot afford
\nto be complacent in discharging its tasks and fulfilling its
\npledges. Of course, whether \"GAM\" will prove to be effective in
\ncontrolling the executive power remains to be seen.<\/p>\n
But rumors are already circulating that \"GAM\" will in
\nparticular attack the government's intention to raise the price
\nof fuel and kerosene by about 40 percent early next year.<\/p>\n
I am sure that people who are not too familiar with
\nIndonesia's political mentality, including probably the new U.S.
\nAmbassador to Indonesia B Lynn Pascoe, will ask why these three
\nwise people from the East deliberately named their organization
\nin such an odd manner. Surely, it cannot be just another
\ncoincidence in the political rivalry among Indonesian democrats.<\/p>\n
As far as I am concernd, this is a bad omen both for the old
\nGAM (in Aceh) and the newly created \"GAM\" (of the three noted
\npersonalities). Perhaps the political riddle will be resolved in
\n2005 when more firecrackers will be blasted into the political
\nsky.<\/p>\n
My suggestion is to add an \"E\" to the new \"GAM\" and make it
\n\"GAME\". After all, we have all become (seemingly qualified)
\nplayers of a political \"game\", haven't we?<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/another-gam-is-born-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }