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.