Jacob Tobing mindful of duty but not overawed<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): How does it feel to be in charge of a commission
\nassigned to alter the nation's Constitution?<\/p>\n
\"Anxious,\" was Commission A chairman Jacob Tobing's answer.<\/p>\n
In the last two sessions of the People's Consultative
\nAssembly, in October and the current annual session, the
\nIndonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan)
\nlegislator has been a man to watch.<\/p>\n
Not necessarily for his political power, but for his apt
\npolitical and leadership skills that have propelled him to a
\nposition of influence in the proceedings.<\/p>\n
This time around he is charged with heading a commission
\ntasked with amending the Constitution.<\/p>\n
The 57-year old senior politician told The Jakarta Post on
\nMonday he would like the amendment to progress smoothly and
\nswiftly, but on the other hand he understand that a hasty
\ndecision could cost the nation dearly.<\/p>\n
\"On the one hand I feel responsible to accomplish the task and
\nurged my fellow Assembly members to realize that. But there are
\nsome uncertain feelings because many sensitive issues, if not
\ndecided wisely, will give immediate or long term negative
\nimpact,\" Jacob said.<\/p>\n
The soft-spoken legislator recognizes that the future of the
\ncountry may depend on his decisions and direction during the
\namendment hearings.<\/p>\n
He extols the power of prayer for helping him through trying
\ntimes.<\/p>\n
\"However big the responsibilities, I always manage to pass
\nthrough the night and sleep well after I say my prayers and ask
\nmy Lord to give me strength and wisdom to face the next day,\" he
\nadded.<\/p>\n
Jacob also points out that as a leader of a commission, one
\nshould always try to communicate with colleagues as much as
\npossible.<\/p>\n
\"I always try to have good communication with my fellow
\ncommission members. Luckily I have a great group here and I guess
\nit's only human if there are one or two people who are a little
\nbit different,\" Jacob remarked.<\/p>\n
Born in Riau on July 13, 1943, Jacob received a masters degree
\nin economics and politics from Harvard University in the United
\nStates. He has been married to Adriana Sihotang since 1971. They
\nhave two sons and two daughters.<\/p>\n
But Jacob is not without his detractors. Many have accused him
\nduring the current annual session of being too slow in pushing
\nthe commission to conclude the amendments.<\/p>\n
Many have also questioned the intention of Jacob to really
\nfinish the amendments as his party has taken a strong stance to
\nkeep the current 1945 Constitution unchanged.<\/p>\n
In reply, Jacob called on his critics to understand the
\nmonumental issues at hand.<\/p>\n
\"I'm not trying to hamper the process. People should
\nunderstand we have a strong emotional relationship with the 1945
\nConstitution,\" he added.<\/p>\n
In the past when he headed the Indonesian Election Committee,
\nmany also alleged he helped his party win the 1999 general
\nelection.<\/p>\n
But Jacob remained calm and seemingly without vengefulness.<\/p>\n
\"One thing is important. We should never strike back at
\naccusations because it will be very unhealthy. Just leave them
\nbe, people will finally see the truth,\" Jacob said.<\/p>\n
Jacob's political career is unique.<\/p>\n
Before joining PDI Perjuangan in 1998, he was one of Golkar
\nParty's deputy chairmen from 1988 to 1993.<\/p>\n
When asked to compare the two parties, Jacob said PDI
\nPerjuangan represented people from a more pluralistic background.<\/p>\n
\"It is more egalitarian. Supporters come from varied
\nbackgrounds and are very nationalistic. In PDI Perjuangan we can
\nfind the most intellectual to most simple people. While Golkar
\ncomprises mostly intellectuals and has a solid structure,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Jacob said he sees Indonesia through PDI Perjuangan. Adding
\nwith a smile that PDI Perjuangan is more interesting, though more
\nchaotic than Golkar. (dja)<\/p>",
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