Democracy threatened

Democracy threatened

When President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's fanatical supporters first began to register themselves (to be sent to Jakarta), people thought they were all merely taunting (their opponents). But now, since they have been given military-style training, it seems they truly mean business.

They plan to come to Jakarta if the House of Representatives (DPR) passes a second memorandum to censure the President.

How forbidding a republic this country would be if this Pasukan Berani Mati (group prepared to fight to the death) really came to Jakarta. As the organization which those people claim to support, the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) board should take responsibility for this action, which would for certain backfire on both the President and NU.

Indonesia is a country whose leaders have pledged to uphold the Constitution and democracy. Now, however, before our very eyes, evidence is being presented of how the very principles of democracy and constitutionality are being demolished.

The Wahid camp may hold the view that the DPR's memorandums are illegal. Still, the first memorandum was supported by eight factions commanding the majority of seats in the DPR. It was (mostly) those same members who (in 1999) elected Abdurrahman Wahid president -- and the election of the former NU chairman was greeted with jubilation, especially by President Wahid's supporters.

Therefore, if now Wahid is censured by that same institution -- the legislature -- his supporters should also greet it with an open mind.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta