Renewal of spirit<\/p>\n
I am not in favor of, or against any group or political party.
\nPlease read my words; I am in favor of renewal of spirit in every
\nfield, if that is possible. Statesmen with vision should see
\nevery development in an historical perspective.<\/p>\n
To historians, the reform movement which led to the downfall
\nof Soeharto is seen as process of renewal in democratic spirit
\nfrom a so-called Pancasila democracy to a transparent democracy.
\nRegrettably, most of our leaders show little in terms of
\nspiritual renewal. Instead, they are thinking of how to set up a
\nmonument for themselves.<\/p>\n
The success of a national leader can no longer be measured by
\nthe duration of a stay in power. Soeharto stayed in power for
\nmore than 30 years but what we see around us now shows little, if
\nany, in terms of national spiritual renewal. Even
\nmaterialistically, it was the influential, the rich and the
\nprivileged who got the benefit, not the most needy population.<\/p>\n
Now we have a crisis involving the executive power and the
\nCentral National Election Committee (KPU), which actually
\nrepresents the people's sovereignty in transition. The ministers,
\nwhile still retaining their executive power, are actually in a
\nstate of demission. In other democracies, Cabinet ministers would
\nnot be barred from joining their parties' election bandwagon but
\ntheir government would have tendered its resignation.<\/p>\n
It is perhaps a greedy trait left over from Soeharto's regime
\nwhy they want to retain power while enjoying political influence.
\nAre there no more noble values but winning while your own group
\nhas been full of blemishes?<\/p>\n
President Habibie has now even been blackmailed. He either
\nconsents to his ministers joining the campaign activities or the
\nstate secretary will resign his post, thus creating a Cabinet
\ncrisis situation.<\/p>\n
The matter has been referred to the Supreme Court, which,
\nindeed, judicially may have the right to decide. However, this is
\na case for the sovereign (let us say in transition) people; in
\nthis case, the KPU members to decide.<\/p>\n
Spiritual renewal? Well, even though there is no sign of
\nreformist renewal! The release of political detainees seems to
\nhave been imposed from outside.<\/p>\n
Some people suggest that KPU members should also be barred
\nfrom campaigning. In that case, it would be tantamount to barring
\nrepresentatives of the people on which the sovereignty rests --
\nnot on the executive branch and mostly remains of the New Order
\nadministration -- from the election process.<\/p>\n
The situation is confusing and irritating; or just tragically
\nclownish? It seems that the cries of hungry people, complaints of
\nlaid-off workers, fleeing mothers and their children, tribal
\nclashes or demands for greater autonomy of self-rule do not reach
\nthe ears of those -- not all -- ambitious to become the next
\npresident of the country.<\/p>\n
Forget judging matters from the historical perspective. Forget
\nalso reformist ideas and ideals. Forget renewal of spirit!<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/renewal-of-spirit-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }