Crisis and firm leadership

Crisis and firm leadership

Whenever the nation is caught in a critical situation, then
the need for firm leadership becomes an urgent issue. Even before
the shocking attack of September 11 in the United States,
Indonesia had found itself in the grip of a social and economic
crisis. The relatively smooth change of leadership from
Abdurrahman Wahid to Megawati Soekarnoputri had given the nation
hope that the crisis could be properly managed.

Initially, from some feeble signs of an upsurge in economic
activities, one could observe that the public was confident,
albeit perhaps not overly so, that the new government would be
able to lift Indonesia out of the slump.

The September 11 calamity in the United States, however, has
since then drastically changed the global situation in almost
every aspect of life. The horrendous event of that day caused a
drastic change in the manner in which the U.S. perceived the
world. The stance of a country with regard to terrorism became
the most decisive yardstick in determining that country's
relationship with others. Whether one likes it or not, the world
economy has changed too. The slim chance of achieving Indonesia's
economic recovery, which could have been capitalized on by the
new Megawati-Hamzah Haz government, also became more difficult to
take advantage of.

At this critical time the Indonesian nation was hoping to see
firm and cohesive national leadership -- one with solid teamwork
between the President and Vice President -- take charge of the
country. Members of the Cabinet were expected to display a sense
of urgency by reaching out to the public and touring the regions
to explain, in clear and simple terms, what was actually at
stake.

At stake is nothing less than the preservation of the nation
and the fulfillment of basic social and economic objectives. The
current perception is that both President Megawati and Vice-
President Hamzah Haz are not sufficiently displaying a sense of
urgency by implementing resolute and correct crisis management
measures. We have, for example, not yet seen the President invite
leaders of the House of Representatives, those of the People's
Consultative Assembly and of political parties to the palace for
discussions and an explanation of the exigencies Indonesia is
currently facing.

More than a week after the President's return from her
overseas tour we have not heard her speak directly to the public,
to appeal to it to avoid committing actions that will only cause
the economy to stagnate. Needless to say, on Vice President
Hamzah Haz, who comes from the largest Muslim-based political
party, rests the special responsibility to preserve and enhance
the nation's unity.

In short, at this time of deep crisis, when the survival of
Indonesia is at stake, firm and solid leadership should be
displayed by all -- from the President and Vice President down to
members of the Cabinet, political leaders, and leaders of the
military and the police.