Democracy means responsibility<\/p>\n
Of late, and understandably, there has been a lot said about
\nthe depressing state of the Indonesian nation. The many reasons
\nfor that are all well known, well documented and well and truly
\nexpressed. Nevertheless, there is hope for the future as positive
\nthings have evolved since the fall of Soeharto.<\/p>\n
Politically, I am sure that many people in this country have a
\nfar better idea about what's going on, then they did back in
\n1998. Under Soeharto there was little point in taking an interest
\nin politics, as it was a one horse race, with only one possible
\noutcome, and only one winner. Now the door has been ripped open
\nand all the rot is on display. This has enabled the Indonesian
\npeople to witness first hand (with the help of the press) the
\nincompetence of legislators, irrespective of the rampant and
\never-growing corruption. That corruption was already well known,
\nbut the abilities of legislators was not.<\/p>\n
Now it is clear that they have failed the people in all
\nrespects, so when 2004 comes along, the general public at least
\nknow who not to vote for. Without doubt, money, promises,
\ncollusion and intimidation will account for many votes (as it did
\nlast time), but this will still leave the vast majority of people
\nfree to make their own choice. Consider if you will, that in
\n1999 some 14 million votes were wasted on minority parties, and
\nabout the same number accounted for those that either did not
\nvote, or whose vote was invalid.<\/p>\n
That means some 28 million votes are up for grabs, and
\nthe existing political parties will be well aware of
\nthat. When you eventually find this new statesman who
\nwill form and lead a new political party that has a
\nclear vision of a better Indonesia based on reform,
\nthen that is where your vote should go. If
\nno one comes forward and the status quo is all that is
\non offer, then better no one votes at all. One should
\nalways remember that a resounding \"no vote\" has a
\ndevastating effect on politics. The other thing to
\nremember is that someone famous once said \"the people
\nonly get the government they deserve\", and therefore
\nhow you use your vote is more than important.<\/p>\n
DAVID WALLIS
\nMedan, North Sumatra<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/democracy-means-responsibility-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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