A change of leadership

A change of leadership

From Forum Keadilan

I am a 40-year-old Indonesian citizen. For most of my life I have had only one president. Now it seems that I'm dreaming of having a new president, with new vision. However, the general chairman of the Golkar Functional Group has stated that the renomination of Soeharto as the presidential candidate is final. Other Golkar functionaries have stated that Soeharto still has the people's confidence as leader of this nation. Is this not an overstatement?

I say this because Pak Harto has led the nation for more than 30 years, a long period of time. Is there not a single person, out of 200 million people, capable of assuming the presidential position? As a "father of the nation," Pak Harto has wisely questioned Golkar as to whether or not his renomination accurately reflects the aspirations of the majority of Indonesians. Obviously he does not want to obstruct the regeneration process.

From a humanitarian point of view, it does not seem fair to force aging Pak Harto to bear the burden of the presidential job for a further five-year term, instead of letting him take a peaceful and deserved rest. We should avoid dependence on any single person. I would like to see a change in the national leadership, and Pak Harto, who is still in good health, with vast experience, could guide the new leadership. The younger generation should have a chance to perform and the time for that is now ripe. We should be able to make a quick, exact and accurate decision. There is no time to be wasted so that history can pass smoothly.

WAHAB BUDHI SANTOSA

Bogor, West Java