Gus Dur and axis force

Gus Dur and axis force

From Pikiran Rakyat

It is evident there has been a difference of attitude between President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, and the "axis force" which supported him to become President. Gus Dur's reaction to the axis force under the leadership of Amien Rais, Hamzah Haz and Ahmad Sumargono when the latter held a rally involving a million Muslims at the National Monument (Monas) a few days ago, was really beyond my expectation.

Gus Dur said that the number of Muslims who rallied at Monas was very small. There were only about 20,000 or so, not a million. "And they wanted to replace me", he was quoted as saying by a number of media.

Gus Dur added that only the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) had a great number of members.

My impression is that Gus Dur was not wise in making such a statement. He tends to be arrogant and shows self-esteem. I have expected him to be more considerate because of the fact that he is President and a religious leader. Also I am inclined to think that Gus Dur is reluctant to accommodate harsh criticism, although criticism is positive and good both for him and his government.

Gus Dur tends to be emotional when dealing with dragging problems that have not been solved and have become continuous targets for criticism. He is behaving the way a power holder does. This has concerned me very much, and maybe many other circles also. I hope Gus Dur is aware of this matter. I also would like to appeal to the people around him to no longer think of Gus Dur as the chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), but as the President. Don't whisper manipulated information to him only for the sake of vested interest. Who knows!

NATADIPRADJA

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