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.