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