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