An aversion to speaking up and holding dialogs, especially

An aversion to speaking up and holding dialogs, especially
with intellectuals, is typical of President Megawati
Soekarnoputri's style. She is also known as a person who does not
like criticism.

If she continues to remain silent, speculations that a
terrorist network in Indonesia is planning an attempt to
assassinate her could be taken as fact.

Megawati has been vocal abroad recently while on her state
visit.

Chairman of the Justice Party (PK) Hidayat Nur Wahid has asked
Megawati to speak up, stating that she had not been threatened,
(by al-Qaeda members as reported by foreign media).

Her failure to clarify whether a terrorist network exists (as
alleged by the U.S.) will show that her ignorance has reached an
alarming level.

Rejection of U.S. propaganda by eight organizations would be a
good start to launch a campaign against the U.S. allegations.

The arrest of Indonesian citizens abroad is a very crucial
issue that needs to be dealt with properly.

It is imperative that Megawati -- in her capacity as the
President of the Republic of Indonesia -- take initiative when
the country's sovereignty and the nation's dignity is threatened.

Megawati's silence is surely not golden.

We are worried that the government has been working with the
U.S. to repress Muslims in the country.

-- Republika, Jakarta

House members' morality

Members of the House of Representatives (DPR) hold the
strongest political position in the country. A president has been
dismissed by the House, but we have never heard of the dismissal
of a House member for breaking the law. This has never happened
in the history of our legislature.

During President Soeharto's tenure there was a recall
mechanism. A House member could be recalled by his or her party
for violating party' policy.

Now that the recall mechanism does not exist, the DPR has
become such a strong institution it is called a super body. As a
legislative institution the House has the authority to control
the government.

The problem now is how clean the House members are. Their
morality is in question. The latest reports on (alleged) bribery
of House members by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency
(BPPN) could be cited as an example.

There has been an indication that the case will be shelved.
Tjahjo Kumolo of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan) has said that the party would not investigate the
bribery allegation.

It's time for the House to establish a strong internal control
body. The body must have the courage to investigate alleged
malfeasance by House members. And law enforcers must also be
granted the authority to investigate cases of graft.

-- Koran Tempo, Jakarta