Listen to the people's voice<\/p>\n
From Rakyat Merdeka<\/p>\n
The National Unity Cabinet under President Abdurrahman Wahid,
\nor Gus Dur, and Vice President Megawati, has not demonstrated any
\nsignificant achievements after almost 100 days has passed. This
\nclearly shows how crucial the role of a president is,
\nparticularly in the beginning of the reform era.<\/p>\n
Gus Dur has been known before as a leader who often launches a
\nconcept or exercises a maneuver outside the political arena.
\nHowever, his election to the fourth presidency of this country
\nshould be seen as a blessing and should be given full public
\nsupport.<\/p>\n
Many a time, the people are startled by Gus Dur's statements
\nand behavior as far as national issues are concerned. At the time
\nwhen the New Order fell, for instance, Gus Dur, without any
\napparent psychological conflict, made frequent visits to
\nSoeharto, much to the amazement of the general public. Public
\nopinion then was that Soeharto was an enemy of the people's
\nreform drive, whereas Gus Dur was a true reformist.<\/p>\n
Here Gus Dur showed the people that he was an independent and
\nnonpartisan figure. Even after he has become President, he has
\nnot been able to discard his unique style of conduct. The people
\nkept wondering when Gus Dur made a controversial statement to the
\neffect that trade relations would be established between
\nIndonesia and Israel. Similarly, he said that he would make
\nformer Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew his foreign economic
\nadvisor, much to the amazement of the general public, as if
\nIndonesia lacked scholars with such expertise.<\/p>\n
No less striking is when the situation in Aceh was worsening,
\nas the Acehnese demanded an immediate referendum, Gus Dur chose
\nto meet a number of world leaders rather than hold a dialog with
\nthe Acehnese, although we know that there must be a special
\npurpose behind his foreign tour.<\/p>\n
It seems that Gus Dur has great self-confidence, which is very
\nimportant for a national leader. But, overconfidence can lead the
\ndemocratic leader to become authoritarian.<\/p>\n
We hope Gus Dur will listen to the people's voice. He should
\nnot repeat the mistakes of the new order regime, which ignored
\npeople's aspirations and reduced people to mere tools and symbols
\nto maintain status quo.<\/p>\n
True, Gus Dur has clearly stated that he was open to
\ncriticisms and would accept suggestions, but so far, this is
\nrarely translated into full practice, as is clearly shown in a
\nnumber of decisions on national issues.<\/p>\n
GATOT ISNANDAR<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/listen-to-the-peoples-voice-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }