Another 'GAM' is born ?

Another 'GAM' is born ?

The public was recently treated to another surprise twist in
the development of local democracy through the creation of "GAM",
not related to the separatist movement in Aceh, i.e. Gerakan Aceh
Merdeka (GAM), as one might mistakenly conclude, but involving
three prominent politicians as stakeholders.

They are former president and influential cleric Abdurrahman
"Gus Dur" Wahid, former House of Representatives speaker Akbar
Tanjung and former president and chairwoman of the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Megawati Soekarnoputri. You
have "G" for "Gus Dur", "A" for Akbar and "M" for Megawati, and
together they are "GAM", which has nothing to do with the old
GAM.

This "GAM" is designed to ensure that the government of
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono does not deviate from its
original course and to criticize it if, in their opinion, it
makes mistakes. In other words, "GAM" is intended to serve as an
extra opposition in the legislative body, so to speak.

Its unofficial spokesman, Agung Laksono, on one occasion
suggested that the public be invited to channel any grievances to
"GAM" in order that they would have a greater impact on the
executive side. Susilo's administration, therefore, cannot afford
to be complacent in discharging its tasks and fulfilling its
pledges. Of course, whether "GAM" will prove to be effective in
controlling the executive power remains to be seen.

But rumors are already circulating that "GAM" will in
particular attack the government's intention to raise the price
of fuel and kerosene by about 40 percent early next year.

I am sure that people who are not too familiar with
Indonesia's political mentality, including probably the new U.S.
Ambassador to Indonesia B Lynn Pascoe, will ask why these three
wise people from the East deliberately named their organization
in such an odd manner. Surely, it cannot be just another
coincidence in the political rivalry among Indonesian democrats.

As far as I am concernd, this is a bad omen both for the old
GAM (in Aceh) and the newly created "GAM" (of the three noted
personalities). Perhaps the political riddle will be resolved in
2005 when more firecrackers will be blasted into the political
sky.

My suggestion is to add an "E" to the new "GAM" and make it
"GAME". After all, we have all become (seemingly qualified)
players of a political "game", haven't we?

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta