1999 will be the most challenging year for Indonesia

By Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

JAKARTA (JP): The year 1998 was a very historical year for Indonesia. It will be remembered by some as a dark year for its deep economic troubles, political turmoil and social unrest.

And yet for reformists, it may well be remembered as a year of national rebirth -- a year in which the first steps toward a more prosperous, free and democratic nation were taken.

Had this transitional year proceeded smoothly, it might have been an excellent time to review what has been accomplished in the last three decades.

Unfortunately, fate has allowed us neither the time nor the opportunity for such reflection. The transfer of power from Soeharto to Habibie on May 21, 1998, did not end the national crises. It was, rather, merely the beginning of new and more difficult challenges and problems.

Entering the 21st century, Indonesia must successfully face three great challenges.

First, Indonesia must overcome the present multifaceted crisis. The crisis is not just economic, political and social, but also involves a crisis of confidence both domestically and internationally.

Second, the country must dutifully implement reform. The list of needed reform will most certainly be long. Therefore, the government and the people must be wise in determining the proper priorities and steps to be taken.

Assuming that the first two tasks can be successfully accomplished, the third challenge is to continue the national development program, which has, currently, stalled.

In view of Indonesia's present political instability, economic stagnation and social unrest, Habibie's position is extremely difficult.

His situation could be considered a "mission impossible". His leadership is being tested and his administration is being challenged from all sides.

As a nation, of course, Indonesia must not lose faith. There must be a light at the end of the tunnel. Although hardships and suffering still line the horizon, the storm will pass.

However, the way ahead will be filled with a lot of hardship, and the nation must pass four crucial tests. There are not only moral, political and administrative tests to be faced, but also a test of leadership. How Indonesia stands up to these four tests will determine its future.

Morally, the Indonesian people must share a deep sense of responsibility and must have the will to overcome the crises. The crucial thing is unity. Everybody has to be part of the solution, not the problem. Unity, of utmost importance, will only be forged when personal interests are relinquished and national interests embraced. Political conflicts must be settled. A new consensus has to be formed, upon which the nation can begin to build again.

For democracy to take root, the upcoming election and general session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) must proceed as planned.

Politically speaking, it is widely predicted that the scheduled election of June 1999 will be exceedingly challenging.

In the spirit of political liberalization, over 100 new political parties have been formed.

Former political laws governing elections, political parties and the legislature must be revised.

A new electoral system, as well as the organizations and mechanisms to support it, must be put into place quickly.

Besides this, how the election is monitored and supervised must also be updated. Such regulations are far from easy to form and regulate, and the plethora of political parties is certain to only complicate the matter.

The list of concerns continues. For example, how can we ensure that the electoral campaign will be conducted in a safe and orderly manner when the conflicts of interest among political groups and parties is so intense.

Furthermore, what will happen if the losers do not accept the electoral results? In view of such concerns, excellent preparation and socialization of the issues is essential. This must also be supported by effective controls and conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

Once the election is completed, Indonesia will face the strategic and potentially volatile task of selecting a new president and vice president through the general session of the MPR. Since there is no precedence of the MPR electing a president, in which there was ever more than one candidate, the coming session may well bring new hazards in its wake.

From an administrative standpoint, the government must be able to effectively solve the present economic and social crises. A social safety net must be established, severe unemployment must be tackled and the national economic system must be revitalized.

The government must be skillfully exploit, presuming sensitive signs of economic stability and turnaround.

Law and order must be restored, criminals must be punished and social disturbances must be ended. The reform movement must be wisely managed and directed so that it does not inadvertently create more problems than it solves.

To be able to accomplish these very demanding tasks, all state and government apparatuses, vertically as well as horizontally, must work urgently, collectively and diligently.

Whether or not these three tests -- moral, political and administrative -- can be successfully faced depends almost entirely on strong and effective leadership. This test of leadership could well be considered the most crucial the nation faces.

Aligning, directing and motivating the people will be the primary job of every leader. President Habibie should be at the forefront, supported by both the administration and the Indonesian people.

President Habibie is a very determined man and is driven by a sense of destiny. However, his credibility, performance and capability to overcome the country's troubles have yet to be proven to all.

We do hope that with our support, President Habibie can successfully manage and lead this nation toward a better future.

In closing, if the international community feels ethically called to help the Indonesian people, there is a hope that a true sense of mutual understanding and cooperation can be forged.

Indonesia deeply appreciates the aid received from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, friendly countries and various international organizations.

There is a general awareness among the Indonesian people that for the country to emerge as a respected nation in the 21st century, it must wisely adopt, develop and practice the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Adopting and developing these ideals has actually taken the forefront in the current reform agenda. Though this is so, something must be kept in mind -- Indonesia's future is up to the Indonesian people to decide.

The Indonesian people must be free to decide and select the way, the manner and the methodology necessary to conduct the reforms.

Improper intervention from outside powers would only worsen a difficult situation.

It is wise to remember that though the system may be the same, its particulars must be tailored to meet the needs of the country in which it is applied. "A T-shirt doesn't fit all".

The year 1998 has just been left. The year 1999 most certainly requires that the Indonesian nation and people are tough, determined and united in grasping and molding what the future holds.

The writer is Chief of Staff for Territorial Affairs of the Indonesian Armed Forces.