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