Appraising the public euphoria

Predictions that the 1997 general election campaign would be more subdued than previous elections have not proven entirely correct. Parades, the mobilization of crowds, the chanting of slogans and other expressions of mass euphoria have occurred in almost every Indonesian city.

The ineffectiveness of the campaign guidelines cannot simply be seen as examples of misbehavior on the part of the election contenders or a lack of discipline by the people. A high degree of political appraisal and protest is contained in the expressions of mass euphoria.

Naturally, it is hoped this political appraisal and protest will help define a new model that is both better and acceptable to the public.

-- Republika, Jakarta