Can a decree solve problems?

Can a decree solve problems?

From Media Indonesia

In a recent afternoon news report aired by a private television station, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri apparently had rejected President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid threat of issuing a decree to declare a state of emergency. This was confirmed when she received the Forum of Communications of Retired Members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police led by Lt. Gen. (ret.) Saiful Sulun in the vice presidential palace.

It was quite an interesting report as in a month's time the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will be convening a special session. One of the items on the agenda of the upcoming special session is President Abdurrahman's accountability report. Rumors about the above decree made their rounds again following President Abdurrahman's statements during his recent visit to Australia and New Zealand.

As citizens, we are sad to witness the lack of cohesion in our government. We are even sadder to see that there is conflict between the executive and the legislative bodies. There is no sign that this protracted conflict will be settled amicably. Who are the victims of this ongoing conflict? None other than ordinary people, who generally know nothing about politics.

Just imagine how bad the situation is for ordinary people. A controversial statement made by a leader can cause a sharp drop in the exchange rate of the rupiah against the U.S dollar. In general, the people are waiting to see an end to this ongoing multidimensional crisis.

We agree with and support Pak Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who, while still chief coordinating minister for political, social and security affairs, disagreed with the issuance of a decree to declare a state of emergency.

We believe Pak Susilo is a smart broad-minded man, and that he places the unity of the state and the nation before anything else. Isn't it ironical that the political elite are still freely going abroad when there is a need to declare a state of emergency? Obviously, the nation is not in a state of emergency. Such as decree can only be issued if there is chaos.

In the special session, the President will be evaluated by the Assembly, which is the country's highest legislative body and one that gave Gus Dur the mandate as president. We hope all parties will be magnanimous enough to accept the political reality in relation to the special session. Without peace and respect for the political process, it will be impossible to resolve the nation's problems.

SUTARNI

Jakarta