A presidium

From Rakyat Merdeka

I am writing in response to a Sept. 6 interview in Rakyat Merdeka with Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, former Golkar secretary- general and now a prominent figure of the movement for justice and unity in the nation. He advocates the necessity of a presidium to replace B.J. Habibie's government. His proposal is an effective solution to the present situation. The state has shown itself incapable of carrying out its day-to-day tasks as a transitional government. It is unable to ensure security of the people, in East Timor, Aceh and Ambon, to name a few. It is even incapable of taking steps against rioters and instigators. There is no change in the state of corrupt practices. Collusion, corruption and nepotism have burgeoned beyond the irregular practices of the New Order regime. Foreign debt has doubled.

What concrete steps are being taken by the government in the Bank Bali case? How to respond to protests against the UN Mission in East Timor's dishonest practices in the East Timor referendum?

In consideration of the situation, are the transitional government's political morals adequate for it to remain in power? Sarwono hits the nail on the head by proposing that the big political parties, winners of the general election, form a presidium led by Megawati to act as a provisional government in lieu of B.J. Habibie's government. The presidium can be supported by the "Mildewed Steel Helmets", i.e. by mobilizing retired Army members or senior Army men with a high fighting spirit who follow closely the nation's political developments. They are still active in institutes which have the nation's struggle at heart, groups like Japeta, DHN 45, Pepabri, PKBPPK, Pasca 45, etc.

The support of this group is important and decisive because these senior people will impose on the active military to join in the support. It would not have been possible for the student demonstrators in May 1998 to enter the MPR-DPR building had there been no military leaders who condoned a breakthrough. In November 1998 during a Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), hundreds of thousands of students were crawling along in an attempt to enter the Senayan area, but they only met with congestion on Semanggi (clover-leaf overpass).

Our political parties are only a few months old. There is, as yet, no compact solidarity. A great number of problems, however, are awaiting their participation. The people are waiting too.

OERIP HARTONO

Jakarta