A lesson for PDI Perjuangan

A lesson for PDI Perjuangan

From Sinar Pagi

"Willing to be reelected." These words were uttered by former president Soeharto. At that time, he gave the impression of having failed in training anyone to take over the national leadership. There were indications he was going to be president for life. His failure was also the failure of Golkar in readying anyone for the leadership.

This should serve as a lesson for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan). First, Megawati Soekarnoputri does not need to copy Soeharto. She should state her rejection of being reelected as chairwoman of PDI Perjuangan. Second, willingness to be reelected signifies a failure in grooming replacements for the party leadership. Third, it can be said that a cult of an individual is seemingly the only means to unite a party, but this will weaken the feeling of cohesion and unity among the leaders of the party itself.

There are two opinions, first that there is no prohibition against Megawati being reelected chairwoman of PDI Perjuangan. Second, that a combination of the function of statesman and party leader exists, as in the case of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad, former British prime minister John Major and Australian prime minister John Howard. Nevertheless, the spirit of the 1945 Constitution, apart from not supporting these above opinions, is also different from the spirit of the constitutions in Malaysia, Britain and Australia. There are eight pillars for statesmen in this country, and they originate in the 1945 Constitution. The eight pillars constitute a whole, rounded, complete, perfect (integral) system for all statesmen of the modern era of globalization.

First, they should be above all ideologies of an individual or group. Second, they should not to take sides with the strongest and biggest group. Third, they should not above all consider individual interests. Fourth, They should not associate oneself with the biggest group in the community. Fifth, they should not be one with the strongest political or economic group. Sixth, they should create an atmosphere of unity between the people and their leader, and among community groups with the spirit of mutual help and creating a big family. Seventh, they should ensure public interest and the security of national life on the whole, as an inseparable unity. Eighth, they should not create an institution of power or a political monster which may abuse individual rights.

The spirit of our Constitution does not know the principle of dual function, in which a statesman is at the same time a party leader.

SUNGKOWO SOKAWERA

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