All eyes are now upon Megawati
All eyes are now upon Megawati
BANGKOK: Indonesia's battered and bruised path to democracy hit a clear spot on Monday when the National Assembly acted decisively, and bravely, to dismiss errant President Abdurrahman Wahid. A few hours earlier, in a scrambling, desperate attempt to avoid the inevitable, Abdurrahman had decided to abolish the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and call for a new election. Apart from a few ragged supporters -- who still have a propensity for violence, however -- none heeded his words.
He was, in more ways than one, oblivious to the fact that he had lost the legitimacy that had brought him to power 21 months ago. It just seems incredible that he could not understand that he had reached the end. It was obvious to everyone else that he had lost the support of politicians, the military and the police. Yet he still believed he had the power to break up the parliament and stop his impeachment.
When he was elected president, he was proclaimed as one of the fathers of Indonesia's new democracy. But he never fulfilled the expectation that he would unite the country, resolve the economic crisis and put an end to the outbreaks of violence around the country.
Finally, he chose to take the country to the very edge of anarchy by defying the wishes of the majority and encouraging his many supporters to rise up. As the day of drama unfolded on Monday, those supporters were still surrounding the Merdeka Palace where Abdurrahman is holed up and threatening a bitter struggle in the capital and the provinces.
For Indonesia's sake, Abdurrahman must come to his senses and persuade his supporters that it is all over, that it is time to depart peacefully. In this he should have learnt the lessons of another former president, Joseph Estrada, that further turmoil and calamity are not worth it. The Philippines' armed forces supported democracy and refused to be manipulated by money and cronyism. The same looks likely in Indonesia as its armed forces seem to be a true stabilizing force at this crucial time.
As the drama plays out, Indonesia is entering a new era. Megawati Soekarnoputri, cruelly denied the chance to lead the nation 21 months ago because she is a woman, is now president. Ironically, many of those who could not countenance her at the beginning are now firmly behind her as she takes over from Abdurrahman. But she inherits a country torn apart by political, ethnic and religious strife. The economy is shattered and Indonesia's territorial integrity is in question.
Megawati, who does not enjoy a reputation for being intellectually or politically astute, must move quickly to restore stability. Her choice of Cabinet in the days to come will serve as an indicator of how she will tackle immediate issues. At least she will have the assembly's support, although it's initially worrying that she has not outlined any positive plans to reduce ethnic and religious conflicts. With the eyes of the world upon her on Monday, that would have been an ideal time to iterate them.
Countries in the region, especially the democracies, must assist Indonesia in every way they can. Although the change of leadership has been rather unceremonial, it does not mean Indonesia is any less significant in the eyes of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
What is significant is that a parliament once noted for supporting a tyrant and a dictator has shown the true value of democracy. Indonesia's politicians still have many critics, and their political maturity is a long way off. But Abdurrahman has stirred the pot in a way that he could never have imagined, and if the armed forces continue to grow more professional and Megawati is able to achieve a few miracles, then maybe there's hope.
On Monday, many countries in the region, though stressing they would not interfere in Indonesia's affairs, expressed the hope for peace in the country. Realistically, it's a long way off, but it's achievable.
-- The Nation/Asia News Network