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)