Why Megawati deserves another term<\/p>\n
Ray Anthony Gerungan, Former Head, Equities Research for UBS Warburg Indonesia,
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
If real acheivements were rewarded with deserved gratitude,
\nthen a proper \"thank you\" to President Megawati Soekarnoputri
\nshould be a second term in office. Unfortunately, Indonesia has
\nbeen known to define its own interpretation of justice and thus
\nthe merits of Megawati's widespread achievements may be left
\nunappreciated -- or at the very least, unrewarded.<\/p>\n
It is a given that politicking will rule on Election Day and
\nan unqualified person (or persons) may find himself with a high-
\nranking government position. Similarly, a highly competent person
\nmay be looking for private sector employment come October 2004.<\/p>\n
What is not a given is the magnitude of the imminent political
\nhorsetrading, which we fear might influence the choice of the
\nnext president.<\/p>\n
A does not go by without numerous newspaper reports or
\ntelevision interviews discussing the perceived numerous
\nshortcomings of Megawati's administration ranging from alleged
\ncorruption to treacherously neglecting the reform movement.<\/p>\n
Given the veracity of the reports and the disinclination to
\nview multiple sides of an issue, it would seem that a little more
\nthan political badgering is too often involved. That said, I
\nwould readily grant merit to the basis of these complaints, but I
\nwould not forget the overriding issues that unfortunately
\nrequired a higher level of priority, namely the economy and
\ndomestic security.<\/p>\n
On both fronts, I would commend our President for a job well
\ndone, and the great majority of governments, multilateral
\norganizations and pundits the world over would join me in my
\npraise for the work Megawati has done for Indonesia.<\/p>\n
But the adulation our President receives overseas is somewhat
\nremoved from the content of domestic news agencies -- not
\nnecessarily right or wrong, its just a fact of life today. I do
\nnot believe I would stray too far from the truth if I were to
\nspeculate that if our presidential election were held today by
\nsolely foreigners residing overseas, Megawati would win in a
\nlandslide.<\/p>\n
It should also not be understated as to how the President
\nhandled the economic crisis. Three other presidents had the task
\nto take Indonesia out of economic crisis and failed to improve
\nthe country. Indonesia may be still have a weaker economy vis-a-
\nvis mid-1997, but it is now in a much more stable position since
\nthe crisis started with a distinctly higher probability for
\ncontinued improvement.<\/p>\n
For example, how long has it been since anyone could actually
\nlook at the rupiah versus the US dollar and say that Indonesia's
\ncurrency has been the better and more consistent performer over
\nthe past two years? Two years?! And the outlook is still good.
\nInterestingly enough, this is about the same amount of time that
\nMegawati has been in power.<\/p>\n
Her approach to domestic security and terrorism is equally
\nadept -- especially given the passionate level of personal
\nbeliefs each Indonesian holds in regard to this issue.<\/p>\n
Within two months of her presidency, Megawati was engulfed in
\na New World Order regarding international terrorism and forced to
\nlead the nation with the world's largest Muslim population to an
\nacceptance of that order. Again, two years after the fact,
\nIndonesia has not disintegrated into warring factions, has not
\nfallen to a Taliban-style government and, most importantly,
\nIndonesia still treasures its open society of tolerance for all
\nreligions. As a Christian living in Jakarta, I am a living
\ntestament to that fact.<\/p>\n
Is this all due to the leadership of Megawati? Certainly, much
\nof the credit goes to the resilience and personal character of
\nall Indonesians, but Megawati certainly managed the country well
\nand made the proper decisions at a time of great difficulty.
\nHistory may judge her more affectionately than Indonesians do
\ntoday.<\/p>\n
It would be great for Indonesia's next president to continue
\nimproving the economy, ensuring domestic security, creating jobs
\nand encouraging higher levels of justice and fair play throughout
\nthe land. There must be somebody out there other than Megawati
\nthat can do the above, but up to now (around nine months before
\nthe presidential election), he\/she has yet to show the public
\nthat they can do the job and, more importantly, how they will do
\nit.<\/p>\n
Until then, I will lend my support to someone who has already
\ndone the job for Indonesia over these past two years and hope
\nthat politics does not rule next year, just Megawati.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/why-megawati-deserves-another-term-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}