Stormy weather will come<\/p>\n
On Nov. 10 a national event, the People's Consultative
\nAssembly (MPR) Special Session, will take place. It is the
\npeople's hope that this very important event will run smoothly
\nand safely. After the session, a general election is scheduled
\nfor May, 1999. Campaigning is usually done before the general
\nelection. I am worried about the campaigning when considering
\ncampaigns of the past. If formerly there were only three parties
\ncontesting, now there will be several dozen. What loud commotion,
\nor perhaps frightening situation there will be in this country.<\/p>\n
It reminds me of a description by Prof. Umar Kayam, a former
\nprofessor at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, in his legendary
\nbook Mangan ora mangan kumpul (Stick together through thick and
\nthin). An extract from the book reads: \"The campaign for the
\ngeneral election came and went like a storm in this city. At one
\ntime it blew fiercely with the tail of a green cyclone, then a
\nyellow whirlwind, then again a red hurricane. Each long colored
\nhorrifying tail emitted a clamorous, rumbling sound like thunder
\nthat refuses to stop.\"<\/p>\n
We all know the consequences of such storms and hurricanes.
\nWhat if, instead of three contesting parties in the next
\ncampaign, there are dozens of storms and hurricanes? We can
\nimagine the tumultuous situation.<\/p>\n
All participating sides should be wiser now, after the
\nexperiences of past campaigns.<\/p>\n
SUGENG HARTONO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/stormy-weather-will-come-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }