Megawati forms opposition bloc<\/p>\n
The nation should take serious notice of a statement
\nattributed recently to the leader of the Indonesian Democratic
\nParty of Struggle (PDI-P), Megawati Soekarnoputri, that her party
\nhas formally chosen to be an opposition vis-a-vis the government
\nof Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. At the same time she has indicated
\nshe will not tolerate any attempt on the part of the power
\nholders to interfere in the process suspecting perhaps that Vice
\nPresident Jusuf Kalla may also have the ambition to steal the
\nleadership of the party as he successfully did in the case of the
\nGolkar Party by getting rid of Akbar Tandjung.<\/p>\n
Megawati has rightly pointed out that under a democracy,
\nopposition activities, as a means of exercising control over the
\nexecutive branch of the government, should be allowed to
\nflourish. As we know, Megawati has criticized the government's
\nhandling of the seemingly slow pace of the tsunami recovery
\nprogram in the aid distribution. Of course,
\nthis should be seen as a warning that no abuse of domestic and
\nforeign assistance funds shall be tolerated.<\/p>\n
As a staunch defender of the unitary state of Indonesia, it
\nwill come as no surprise if Megawati or her party oppose in
\nprinciple the planned resumption of peace negotiations with the
\nFree Aceh Movement (GAM).<\/p>\n
Personally, I consider the presence of an opposition grouping
\nessential, if only for providing alternative solution to balance
\nthe official view, essential if democracy is to thrive given the
\nlame role played by the legislative councils especially, the
\nHouse of Representatives.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, available funds and energy at the disposal of the
\ngovernment must not only be entirely distributed to the tsunami
\nstricken areas resulting in the neglect of outer backward parts
\nof the country where bridges, roads, railways, water and
\nelectricity networks are in need of repair as well.<\/p>\n
So the government under Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf
\nKalla must focus fully on the rehabilitation of Aceh as well as
\non other parts of the country in East Indonesia.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/megawati-forms-opposition-bloc-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }