Description of 'indigenous'

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