For peaceful campaigns

For peaceful campaigns

Indonesians are now getting a second chance to determine the
direction their country should go in the years ahead, and to
decide who will lead them to the end of the chronic economic
crisis, which haunts almost all aspects of national life.

The 1999 general election won international praise for being
the freest and most democratic the nation had held since 1955.
The international community also welcomed the election of the
internationally respected Muslim leader, Abdurrahman "Gus Dur"
Wahid, as the country's third president. However, due to his
erratic leadership, Gus Dur was forced to leave the palace
humiliated, and was replaced in 2001 by Megawati Soekarnoputri,
daughter of the country's founding president Sukarno.

Unfortunately, the optimism which the nation felt in 1999 has
turned to frustration for many Indonesians. The important lesson
to draw from that experience is this: should Indonesians fail to
make the right decision this time, this nation could be in danger
of descending into endless turmoil -- becoming, effectively, a
failed state.

That why is it is greatly encouraging to learn of the
commitment made by all 24 political leaders, whose parties are
contending the legislative elections next month. They say they
will do everything in their power to ensure the campaign period
will pass peacefully and orderly. They have vowed there will be
no bloodshed during campaigning, which will start on Thursday and
last until April 1.

That assurance from the political elite can, at the very
least, become valuable working capital for their parties in
promoting themselves in the April 5 legislative election.

After all, differences in ideology, creed and political
interests must be regarded as necessary and beneficial to the
creation of a working pluralistic society. But differences can
also create disaster when they are resolved by condemning and
attacking others.

Somehow, since Soeharto's fall in May 1998, the practice of
violence and committing acts of hatred against those who differ
in creed or ethnicity seems to have become a part of our lives.
How many children have died in refugee camps from starvation and
poor medical treatment? Indonesia has often enough grabbed
headlines in the world's media, not because of our great
achievements, but because this country has become fertile soil
for breeding terrorists, or because of the unbelievable magnitude
of the scourge of corruption.

Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country, with
the world's largest Muslim population. Fair and peaceful
elections help dispell the impressions the recent terrorist
attacks in this country tried to create. They bolster the
international community's confidence that the vast majority of
Muslims here are moderate and tolerant, and that they value
universal values such as democracy, human rights and humanity.

To the surprise of the world, by their ability in 1999 to hold
peaceful democratic elections, Indonesians proved they could be
as civilized and as peaceful as any other nation. And undoubtedly
the Indonesian people will once again demonstrate their
commitment to peace and democracy this time.

Starting today (Thursday, March 11), for the duration of 22
days, Indonesians will have to readjust their lives somewhat and
accept the noisy street campaigns and traffic jams across the
country as a necessary part of the political game. After the
April 5 ballot, this country will face its first direct
presidential election, which will be held on July 5, with a
possible runoff on Sept. 20. The long election period means we
all need an extra dose of stamina.

We call on the political parties to use this campaign period
as a medium to deliver sincere and rational programs to the
nation and to explain how they intend to rebuild this country. We
hope they realize that even a small provocative statement or act
is often enough to provoke unnecessary riots. They are expected
to fully control their supporters and not just quickly wash their
hands, feigning innocence, when their supporters obstruct others'
campaign activities.

It is the duty of citizens in all segments of society to
ensure the elections proceed peacefully and orderly. Therefore,
we appeal to all Indonesians to play a proactive role to ensure
order and peace. Spreading hatred and outrage against political
rivals or those who do not take the same position as we do is
irresponsible.

If laws are violated during campaigns, we must entrust our law
enforcers to resolve the matter, no matter how low our level of
confidence in them may be. In 1999, we lived in a state of
euphoria, and many of us naively believed that our reform leaders
would quickly restore our dignity as a respected nation. To many
of us, the fall of Soeharto meant the eradication of the roots of
the country's miseries. But soon we came to realize we were in no
better condition after Soeharto's departure.

Once again, we have a second chance for survival. There are
not likely to be more chances to make blunders after this. Even
small mistakes will be costly because the existence of our
country is at stake.

We've already been burned once before. This time, let's stay
away from the fire.