Dialogs not demos
The Armed Forces (ABRI) activities in trying to meet all kinds of demands from civilian organizations -- like university students and others -- should get our strongest support. Never before, during the New Order period, has ABRI met with so many challenges. And in all honesty, I must say that ABRI showed its maturity and seemed able to feel the pulse of the nation and cope with the situation. But for how long?
From the top down to all area commanders, ABRI has made statements welcoming the student movements, as long as they observe the existing rules and regulations. This is a real test for ABRI to implement its dual function. ABRI firmly believes that the students' aspirations are fair.
Nevertheless, the possibility for making mistakes is there, something that is sometimes unavoidable.
Unlike ABRI, Golkar, the most powerful political grouping in Indonesia, is sitting on the sidelines and watching what is going on. Actually, it could play a very decisive role. By doing nothing and saying nothing Golkar, of course, makes no mistakes.
We are talking about the monetary crisis, which in my opinion, is linked with politics. It is here that Golkar can play a crucial role and help the government find a speedy solution to the crisis.
Another well-respected body is the Supreme Advisory Council. This high institution, whose personnel consists of highly experienced senior officials and politicians, is supposed to give advice to the government, but it has also kept silent so far. So has the House of Representatives. This body is indisputably qualified to speak on behalf of the people.
Another thing that should be given due attention is the students' demonstrations, which, in my opinion, have proven their importance. The government knows, from the students' slogans and actions, what the students want in general. Now is the time not for demonstrations but for serious "technical" dialogs between all parties.
The dialogs should be conducted by a small group acting as representatives of the students. The rest of the students can go back to their studies and prepare themselves for future important roles.
When the demonstrations have stopped, then, I think, ABRI will be able to redirect its attention to something more constructive and stop its constant 24-hour alert.
Again, Golkar must wake up from its political sleep and begin to act to fulfill the people's fair aspirations. The majority of the people voted for Golkar during the general election because that was the surest way to channel their aspirations. So the people have fulfilled their promise to vote for Golkar, which gave Golkar a landslide victory. Now it is the time for Golkar to keep its word and honor the promises it made during election campaigning.
The fate of 200 million people is at stake, and we cannot allow the people to suffer any longer. The people's patience has its limit. Now is the best chance for Golkar to do everything possible to save the nation. The election was not conducted for Golkar cadres to gain nice and lucrative positions but rather, to serve and enhance the people's welfare.
SOEGIH ARTO
Jakarta