Democracy means responsibility

Democracy means responsibility

Of late, and understandably, there has been a lot said about
the depressing state of the Indonesian nation. The many reasons
for that are all well known, well documented and well and truly
expressed. Nevertheless, there is hope for the future as positive
things have evolved since the fall of Soeharto.

Politically, I am sure that many people in this country have a
far better idea about what's going on, then they did back in
1998. Under Soeharto there was little point in taking an interest
in politics, as it was a one horse race, with only one possible
outcome, and only one winner. Now the door has been ripped open
and all the rot is on display. This has enabled the Indonesian
people to witness first hand (with the help of the press) the
incompetence of legislators, irrespective of the rampant and
ever-growing corruption. That corruption was already well known,
but the abilities of legislators was not.

Now it is clear that they have failed the people in all
respects, so when 2004 comes along, the general public at least
know who not to vote for. Without doubt, money, promises,
collusion and intimidation will account for many votes (as it did
last time), but this will still leave the vast majority of people
free to make their own choice. Consider if you will, that in
1999 some 14 million votes were wasted on minority parties, and
about the same number accounted for those that either did not
vote, or whose vote was invalid.

That means some 28 million votes are up for grabs, and
the existing political parties will be well aware of
that. When you eventually find this new statesman who
will form and lead a new political party that has a
clear vision of a better Indonesia based on reform,
then that is where your vote should go. If
no one comes forward and the status quo is all that is
on offer, then better no one votes at all. One should
always remember that a resounding "no vote" has a
devastating effect on politics. The other thing to
remember is that someone famous once said "the people
only get the government they deserve", and therefore
how you use your vote is more than important.

DAVID WALLIS
Medan, North Sumatra