Dialog vital to settle crisis, say observers

Dialog vital to settle crisis, say observers

JAKARTA (JP): A solution to the country's myriad problems
could be best sought through dialogs between members of the
political elite, two foreign statesmen suggested on Tuesday.

Visiting German President Johannes Rau asserted that political
party leaders sit together and discuss the future of the country
without inviting intervention from outsiders.

"The goal of political reform must be determined by the
Indonesian people. The way forward should be decided through
dialogs between the political parties in the country," Rau said
through his interpreter during his talks with House of
Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung and People's Consultative
Assembly Speaker Amien Rais at the House building.

Later in the day, visiting Singapore senior minister Lee Kuan
Yew, in a meeting with Amien warned Indonesia of the danger of
mass mobilization exploited by members of the political elite in
dealing with the current crisis.

"Lee expected that Indonesia should not use people power to
change the national leadership as there are dangers in using the
measures...It will symbolize unstable government," Amien quoted
Lee as saying.

"The use of people power will turn Indonesia into a Banana
republic as happened in South America."

Lee, according to Amien, further expressed his hope that
Indonesia complies with constitutional procedures through the
House and Assembly in coping with all political problems.

"He noted that most of the neighboring countries are keeping a
watchful eyes on what is happening in Indonesia. They all hope
that the problems can be settled as soon as possible," Amien
said.

The two statesmen were on an official visit to the country.

Lee arrived in Jakarta on Friday for a five-day visit as one
of President Abdurrahman Wahid's economic advisors. During his
trip which ended on Tuesday, the former Singapore prime minister
also held meetings with Indonesian top state officials.

Rau arrived here on Monday also for a five day visit, which is
aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Amien underscored Lee's warning that the current government,
which was elected in a democratic process, had squandered its
golden opportunity to recover the country and what little was
left of international confidence.

"Lee expressed disappointment with the way the government let
the opportunities slip through its fingers since it began its
tenure last year, which has caused international trust to drop
off," Amien said.

Lee stated that all national leaders should move fast and try
to save the country as time was running out, Amien said. (dja)