Gus Dur promotes democracy

Gus Dur promotes democracy

From Media Indonesia

President Abdurrahman Wahid, "Gus Dur", is the pioneer of
democracy in Indonesia. Thanks to him people can talk freely and
express their opinions freely. Democracy exists, even to the
extent that there is too much of it. Criticizing or correcting
people is good but it is not good to bring someone down or ruin
someone's reputation. It is true that some of the statements that
Gus Dur has made have been controversial, in the sense that some
are for and others are against.

All this is natural because this is democracy. During the New
Order government of former president Seoharto there were quite a
lot of decisions or regulations that were not popular but nobody
dared say anything about them. Likewise during the administration
of Habibie. When it was decided that a popular vote should be
conducted in East Timor, nobody dared to protest although many
did not agree with it.

In my opinion, it is true that Gus Dur's administration is far
from satisfying the people but it must be remembered that
eliminating corruption, collusion and nepotism from the
government is a Herculean task. Besides, although Gus Dur may
have given rise to a number of controversies, he has not violated
the constitution.

In addition to improving the economic condition, eradicating
collusion, corruption and nepotism, upholding democracy and human
rights, it is also necessary to unify the nation now being torn
apart by disintegration movements. So, keep on criticizing Gus
Dur, but don't topple him. Allow him to lead this nation for the
next four years.

DR. F. PUDYANTO SURADIBROTO

Jakarta