Indonesia now a nation on autopilot<\/p>\n
There is one last opportunity as the crisis hits rock bottom,
\nwrites analyst Jusuf Wanandi of the Jakarta-based Centre for
\nStrategic and International Studies.<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is now on autopilot, with nobody
\nreally in charge. Things are so messy because there is no
\nleadership. Many problems remain unresolved: Aceh, Maluku, West
\nPapua, Central Kalimantan, decentralization and regional
\nautonomy, professionalism and civilian control of the Army, the
\neconomy, etc., etc.<\/p>\n
The only thing that balances the vacuum of leadership is the
\nresilience and patience of the Indonesian people. However, that
\nhas started to burst at the seams, as indicated by regional and
\nlocal conflicts across the archipelago.<\/p>\n
First, President Abdurrahman Wahid is seen as incompetent. He
\nhas compounded the crisis by making the legislature and the other
\npolitical parties his enemies. He is supposed to be our chief
\nexecutive, leading the nation out of its multi-layered crisis.<\/p>\n
The legislature and other political leaders are being quite
\nirresponsible, and only think of how to bring him down. Nobody
\namong them thinks about the interests of the nation as a whole.
\nThe danger is that the economy is going to give in and go into a
\ndownward spiral that risks going completely out of control.<\/p>\n
And with the economy in another crisis, the political
\nsituation may also go out of control, especially if the people
\nbecome desperate. Since there is almost no authority, they could
\ntake the law into their own hands, and Indonesia could fall into
\ntotal anarchy. If this situation continues, there is nobody left
\nwho can save Indonesia from becoming a failed state. That is why
\na high sense of urgency is now needed among the political elite.<\/p>\n
Second, if Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri is
\neverybody's choice, as it appears to be, she should be elected as
\nsoon as the constitutional process allows that to happen.
\nIdeally, Abdurrahman should see the light and retire, and in that
\nway save his respectability allowing him to still act and be
\naccepted as a social and spiritual leader.<\/p>\n
However, since he is not willing to accept this idea, he
\nshould give the powers of governance to Megawati and remain as
\nhead of state. This arrangement should be laid down in a decree
\nof the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) so that it is
\nacceptable for Megawati.<\/p>\n
If this arrangement is also unacceptable to either or both of
\nthem, then an MPR special session should decide on a vote of no
\nconfidence in Abdurrahman and, if that is supported, the election
\nof Megawati as the next president. As this step could complicate
\nthe situation it should only be taken as a last resort.<\/p>\n
It should be made clear to Abdurrahman's followers in
\nNahdlatul Ulama (NU) that this step is necessary for the sake of
\nthe nation, and is, therefore, also in the NU's interests.<\/p>\n
If the NU is not clear, it could create havoc in East Java,
\nthe NU's stronghold, and induce acts of retaliation in other
\nparts of Indonesia against them. An anarchic situation in the
\nwhole country could result from this.<\/p>\n
Anyhow, Megawati has to prepare herself to take up the
\nleadership. This means setting priorities for the new government.
\nShe should bring together individuals who can work as a team that
\nis capable, as well as credible, in the eyes of the political
\nelite and public.<\/p>\n
This means that she should reach out to others outside her own
\nclose entourage. This will not be easy for her, but will be
\nnecessary if she wants to get the right personalities in the
\nCabinet and other important government agencies. Otherwise she
\nmight not be able to overcome the crisis. She might also face the
\nsame fate as Abdurrahman.<\/p>\n
Some representatives of the coalition supporting her should of
\ncourse be included. But the economic team especially should be
\ncomposed of able personalities who can work together as a team.
\nMegawati's priorities are obvious, namely: the economic crisis; a
\njust solution to regional conflicts, especially those in Aceh and
\nWest Papua; gradual implementation of regional autonomy;
\nprofessionalism and democratic control of the Armed Forces;
\nmaintenance of law and order to bring about peace and stability;
\nand the implementation of the rule of law.<\/p>\n
For all of this to happen, and if accepted by Megawati, the
\npolitical and social leaders should give their unqualified
\nsupport to her -- because the crisis is at its deepest, and this
\nis the last chance for Indonesia to survive as one unitary state.<\/p>\n
For once the leaders must place the interests of the nation at
\nheart and do the right thing.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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