Analysts give mixed reactions on Gus Dur

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Observers were mixed in their reaction to signs that the House of Representatives will pass some type of censure against President Abdurrahman Wahid.

Political observer Pratikno of Gadjah Mada University said in Yogyakarta on Thursday the House should give Gus Dur another chance to respond to the conclusions of the House's plenary session before moving forward.

"He (Gus Dur) deserves one more opportunity to answer to the House, then the House should evaluate his explanation before taking its next action," he said.

Pratikno warned that the House is a very important body, thus its members should be extra careful in making any political moves and decisions, especially those that could cause the government to collapse.

"We, the nation, will probably have to pay a very expensive price if the current government is toppled, whereas the future remains uncertain and could be worse," he said.

Pratikno reiterated his criticism that the House special committee had gone too far in its investigation of the Bulog and Brunei scandals, politicizing the cases to spark distrust among the people of the President.

He said the House could be held responsible if the country's political scene became even more uncertain in the future.

Pratikno said the politicization of the two scandals by the House could not have occurred if the country's administrative mechanisms were well established, particularly the relationship between the President and the House.

He said the House's constant attacks on the President had encouraged Gus Dur to maneuver politically to try and save his office, which eventually backfired on him.

"Democracy should have made politics predictable and certain," he said. "Why didn't give the government create a conducive climate to carry out its responsibilities?"

In Surakarta, Mustofa Bisri, an associate of Gus Dur, said the President's position is still strong. "He is standing in reality. So whatever kind of tempest hits him, he will not be felled if Allah is willing."

"Allah made him President. Therefore a thousand demonstrations will not topple him if Allah wants him to remain in office. However, if Allah wants him to fall, one demonstration will be enough," said Mustofa, who is a senior member of Nahdlatul Ulama.

Mustofa was in Surakarta to attend a mass prayer at Ummu Umar Mosque.

A scholar said in Purwokerto, Central Java, the House's conclusion was an expensive lesson for Gus Dur.

Rubiyanto Misman, rector of Jenderal Sudirman University here, said, however, that the President deserved a chance to continue his tenure.

"A special session (to impeach the President) will be possible, but, in my opinion, that option is very dangerous, assuming that Gus Dur's supporters would have physical encounters with his critics," Rubiyanto told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

"I do hope the political elite will be extra careful in deciding whether to forgive the President or call a special session (for impeachment). Which is best for the nation?"

Rubiyanto said the House members also should be aware of other larger issues that need to be resolved. "It's important for the House to make things balanced by dealing with other corruption cases that require prompt action." (44/har/45/sur)