Election promises
The election is over. The national political picture is clear. Although protests were heard from certain corners, this has not influenced the recent results in which the dominant Golkar won an overwhelming majority, followed by the United Development Party (PPP) leaving the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) far behind.
There are two categories of people. One is the glamorous campaigner who played their role prior to the election, and the other one is the conscientious government official whose role is to translate the promises into reality, which is a very difficult task.
During the campaign, all kinds of promises like the elimination of corruption and collusion, improvement of the bureaucracy and eradication of poverty were made public, focusing attention on the fate of the "small people".
These campaigners, speaking to huge crowds, promising all kinds of good things, enlivened by film stars, dangdut music and singers, instantly became public heroes.
They became well-known and popular, and some experienced a sudden rise from oblivion into limelight. Becoming public heroes, cheered hysterically during their speeches, carried on the shoulders of their supporters, is a new and exciting feeling. It must be nice to be adored by the people.
But now the campaign is over and the "festival of democracy" has finished. What remains is promises to be translated into reality. That is the prime demand of the people and that was what they voted for. And it is here the honor and credibility of the election participants, especially the winner, is at stake.
They must start thinking seriously about how all those promises can be realized to maintain the people's trust. Those who are given the task to fulfill those promises face a difficult time. Shouting promises before huge crowds is not as difficult as trying to make them a reality.
It needs serious planning and careful consideration of steps which should be taken. It is hard work, with no cheering crowds, no dangdut bands or beautiful female singers, only four walls, typewriters or computers and endless meetings, which often go long into the night.
The officials have a heavy responsibility and if they fail, the wrath of the people will fall upon them. But this is life, some have a good time and become public heroes and some have to carry the burden of fulfilling promises and remain obscure.
SOEGIH ARTO
Jakarta