Democracy or disaster

Democracy or disaster

Lying dormant for some time, and yet now the conscience of
Indonesia begins to stir as the 2004 general election looms ever
closer. There was a flicker and now a pulse coming from the
reform monster, the will of the people and the might of the
multitude, for this awakening has been a long time coming.

The problem is that "D-Day" is rapidly approaching, with the
"D" meaning either democracy or disaster, and one must decide
which avenue to go down.

Maybe the people care more than the elite imagine, the
millions of poor that survive on a daily basis that maybe, just
maybe have a real passion for this nation. The movement against
rotten politicians might just come up with a list so long that
the lawyers would not be able to cope with the turmoil and the
associated problems of backing corruption against the will of the
people.

Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea would be those
legal parasites, for is their love of money a greater incentive
than the fear of the masses? It has happened before and taking
sides with the elite has not always been the wisest of moves. The
finger of blame for the past five years is a very long one that
fans a wide range of disciplines, and now as the monster stands,
so visible cracks are appearing in the overcrowded club of
corruption.

The danger is, like when Soeharto went down, is the lack
of credible figures to replace the rotten system and its current
members. It is one thing to rid, but another to build, and
Indonesia might struggle to find enough true patriots who are
brave enough to carry the banners. Whatever transpires, it will
have been the corruptors that pushed the people over the edge,
and there is not a living soul in this country that does
not know that.

Some time ago I said the writing was on the wall, but there is
still time to avoid a disaster if the politicians would wake up
and realize they are sitting on top of a rumbling volcano. If
ever a country was heading in the absolute wrong direction, then
sit back and take a long hard look at Indonesia, for their
leaders are driving blindly towards chaos and disintegration, and
that is just a matter of time. Be wise, shed arrogance, change
course and survive before it is too late.

DAVID WALLIS, Medan, North Sumatra