The quiet president<\/p>\n
Although we usually appreciate the maxim that silence is
\ngolden, alas, that time-honored rule does not apply to President
\nMegawati Soekarnoputri these days. As a matter of fact, the
\nIndonesian public is yearning to hear directly from its leader
\nsome reassuring words to help it make sense of the whirlwind of
\nrecent events.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, what we were concerned about seems to be
\nhappening already, namely that Megawati is being criticized by
\nprominent individuals and groups in the Islamic community. The
\ndeputy secretary-general of the National Awakening Party (PKB),
\nYahya Staquf, stated that Megawati had never consulted with the
\npeople, especially the Islamic community, which constitutes the
\nmajority, before stating her government's position with regard to
\nthe U.S. attack on Afghanistan.<\/p>\n
\"The Islamic community in Indonesia does not feel represented
\nby Megawati,\" Staquf, who was president Abdurrahman Wahid's
\nspokesman, said. On Thursday, about 2,000 followers of Hizbut
\nTahrir Indonesia demonstrated in front of Merdeka Palace after
\nprotesting in front of the U.S. Embassy. They shouted that
\nMegawati should join them in their jihad against the U.S.<\/p>\n
Of course, statements and actions such as these do not reflect
\nthe position of the majority of the Islamic community. But in
\nmany cases it is the perceived impression that is the determining
\nfactor. Since the Megawati-Hamzah Haz government is supposed to
\nbe a coalition of nationalists and centrist political Islamic
\nelements, any impression that the teamwork is beginning to show
\nrifts does not augur well for Indonesia's image.<\/p>\n
That is why it is all the more urgent that President Megawati
\naddress the nation directly, stating the importance of preserving
\nnational unity. She should also stress that although public
\nexpressions of particular political viewpoints are acceptable,
\nfanning religious emotions and threatening foreigners who live in
\nour midst run counter to Indonesia's national interests.<\/p>\n
We are convinced that President Megawati has the ability to
\nreach out to the people, but we are at a loss as to why she is
\nchoosing to remain silent at such a critical time.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-quiet-president-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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