Description of

Description of 'indigenous'

From Koran Tempo

There has been much discussion of late on presidential candidates, though the law regulating this matter has yet to be thoroughly discussed by the House of Representatives.

Debates over candidates' required educational levels or his/her status in legal cases are legitimate, as long as they are meant to find the best leaders for the country. Sadly, the impression one gets is that these debates are really aimed at removing political opponents, while other no less important subjects are never discussed.

The criteria for presidential candidates basically involve mentality and capability, which are outlined in Article 6, Paragraph (1) of the amended Constitution, in which the word "indigenous" has been dropped. Based on the idea that discrimination should be eliminated and the "indigenous" requirement was not clear, the elimination of this word may also have had global considerations. But is there any guarantee that nominees who have no historical or emotional ties with Indonesia will demonstrate the needed nationalism?

In addition to professional capabilities, nationalism and statesmanship are also badly required at a time when Indonesia is facing problems of national integrity. Therefore, prioritizing national interests rather than personal/group pursuits, the people's representatives should define the term "indigenous" in the bill on presidential elections, along with other criteria.

SOEWIRYO Jakarta