Champion-in-waiting
There will be a rematch in six months' time. It is not hard to guess what I mean, yes, Lennox Lewis versus an opponent three years his elder, from California, USA: Evander Holyfield. Officially their recent bout ended in a draw, although, according to computers (men or machines), the American received 30 extra blows and looked more haggard. Understandably, the British media calls hairy Lennox Lewis (in comparison with his balding show partner), a "champion-in-waiting". Lewis will win the rematch.
With more than one hundred candidates, who is the "president- in-waiting" in Indonesia?
Perhaps Madeleine Albright, with her association with world movers and shakers, would name names. Or should I consult fugitive Ratna Sari Dewi Sukarno? Who knows more than Margaret Thatcher? Or perhaps astronomer Karlina Leksono from the Voice of Concerned Mothers has the answer?
Just imagine a long narrow political tunnel through which more than one hundred trains, with mainly inexperienced drivers, speed along.
Note how the yellow train is the most polished; its passengers, dressed in yellow jackets, some wearing neckties, are the most articulate.
Don't worry, if we arrive safely at our destination, our children's future is assured. If we stop halfway, we have enough food and cash to request volunteers push the train to our destination, or so the bespectacled conductor promises. He forgets the train may crash in the middle of the tunnel and he is yet to make contingency plans.
A number of train cars containing bulls emit loud noises. The new species with a white mouth and ferocious appearance draws the attention of foreign journalists.
The train with the National Mandate Party (PAN) symbol is as clean and strong as a new imported one. The green-painted trains also appear to be the most fully booked. Their passengers continue praying while waiting for a sign from their leaders to rush into the tunnel.
A panic may break out at any moment and for no apparent reason. But throngs at the end of the tunnel of democracy are too weak, too hungry and too long without jobs and homes, to welcome the trains with any expectations. In fact, they do not overly care who will be the king (read president) in-waiting. Their clamor for justice, better funding distribution, free medical care and provision of basic amenities is heard worldwide thanks to CNN.
A group of young men do not think patience will pay off and begin marching into the dark tunnel. They are the fearless students who will stop any train reaching the other side. Dismissed bank employees are ready to enter the tunnel too.
The champion, the king or the president-in-waiting, will be chosen by the party that wins the most seats in the House of Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly. This time the ruler cannot possibly come from the dominant functional grouping (Golkar) party, for it would mean a return to the New Order mentality. A coalition of two to three parties will most likely emerge from the tunnel more or less unscathed.
Accepting defeat in a democratic spirit is a trait not often observed in our parties. Even during the campaign period, a tense situation may develop that is hard to control.
The king or president or champion of democracy-in-waiting, may wait a very long time. But a rematch is ruled out; a draw would indicate the nation's economic problems could get worse and never be resolved.
Most importantly, if not crucially, for a sense of cohesive unity to survive, we need a president who will unify the diversity inherent in our nation. Do we have such a champion-in-waiting worthy of the crown?
GANDHI SUKARDI
Jakarta