Appraising the public euphoria

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