Compromise in politics

Compromise in politics

Politicians, both in the legislative body and in political parties, should heed the proposal for a political compromise, a subject which has become a topic of public discourse recently. Regardless of the suggestion that the position of head of state be separated from that of head of government, or that a rainbow Cabinet be established or even that compromises be reached through the convening of a special session of the People's Consultative Assembly, a compromise is important in substance. A compromise means, in principle, allowing certain concessions to other parties at the expense of each party's absolute interest. Every party will enjoy a proportional benefit from this win-win situation. In the context of the dispute between the President and the legislative body, a political compromise must not necessarily be construed as power sharing, which is only one possible form of a compromise.

It is really surprising, therefore, to learn that some parties have shown their a priori rejection of a proposal for a political compromise. A compromise is commonplace in politics. Besides, it must also be borne in mind that political practices in Indonesia are based on the principle of agreement through deliberation, which is the manifestation of a compromise. It is only appropriate, then, to consider political forces rejecting any compromises provocateurs seeking to create chaos. A political compromise is actually an elegant way to adopt in saving the nation.

In the absence of a compromise, it is hard to imagine how this nation can avoid bloodshed. If the House of Representatives prefers the convening of a special session of the People's Consultative Assembly as a means to unseat Gus Dur, it would be difficult to get a guarantee that the masses will not run amok. Although this special session would be constitutional, a decision to convene it will not guarantee that our national security will be in a stable condition. Unless politicians have lost their conscience, they will prioritize their efforts on how to reach compromises.

DONALD PAMJAITAN

Tangerang, Banten