Opposition forces<\/p>\n
The passing of the 2000 state budget by the House of
\nRepresentatives should be seen as a historic milestone in the
\ncountry's democratic life. Nobody has really expressed
\nsatisfaction with the allocations for the respective segments of
\ndevelopment.<\/p>\n
Some optimism stems from the increase in the price of crude
\noil by US$2 per barrel, perhaps more in the international market
\nwhich may serve as a bonanza.<\/p>\n
One may now expect that democratization can proceed smoothly
\nthough with some uneasiness still lingering among the new power
\nholders and politicians.<\/p>\n
Still, there are subtle opposition forces at play wishing
\nnothing less than the fall of the entire Abdurrahman Wahid
\ncabinet or the resignation of a single minister.<\/p>\n
A member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle in
\ngovernment, Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and
\nIndustry, Kwik Kian Gie, has been singled out for attack, so it
\nseems, whenever he shows a fraction of weakness.<\/p>\n
If the minister succumbs to attacks involving his past
\nbusiness deals or involving members of his family, he will
\ndisappoint many and they will consider him lacking in qualities
\nneeded for a wise statesman and tough political leader.<\/p>\n
As a staunch critic of the former undemocratic regimes when he
\nknew what best to do, he should place his political career above
\nany other interests or considerations.<\/p>\n
Like in chess, he must have the courage to sacrifice the
\nstrongest asset, the queen, if a nobler goal is to be achieved.<\/p>\n
Despite the apparent \"peace and harmony\" in the government,
\nthe subtle but stubborn forces of the opposition are still at
\nplay, utilizing every possible intrigue aimed at unseating
\ncertain personalities and replacing them with their own
\nconnections.<\/p>\n
The resignation of the minister would mean the defeat of
\ndemocracy. The fire of democracy has just been lit. Any personal
\nsacrifice is not too great or too costly to keep it burning.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/opposition-forces-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }