Gus Dur's diplomatic offensive

Gus Dur's diplomatic offensive

Against the backdrop of political uncertainty, if not turmoil,
as a result of the clamor for a greater say in the affairs of the
state through autonomy or outright independence, President
Abdurrahman Wahid's third overseas trip, this time to a group of
Mideast countries (Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan) looks more like a
risky balancing act than a diplomatic offensive in search of
economic possibilities (read investment or assistance).

This time Abdurrahman, better knows as Gus Dur, is putting his
personal integrity as a Muslim leader at stake and apparently not
without success. The first lady, although temporarily confined to
a wheelchair, has been permitted, so to speak, to watch the
operation to gain greater international confidence. Perhaps she
also wishes to show that women in Indonesia have equal rights
with men, even in a wheelchair.

Still, some eyebrows have been raised among his supporters and
outright disapproval has been expressed by his critics because
the President seems to be prioritizing foreign trips instead of
visiting trouble spots at home. One explanation is that Gus Dur
wants to establish personal contact with leaders of the countries
Indonesia may still, and likely will, depend on for its future
economic recovery. But what about the pressing problems at home?

In this light, I cannot agree more with amicable legislator
Sabam Sirait that Gus Dur does not need to personally go to
trouble spots while he has so many ministers at his disposal. The
people who should be expected to take such initiative are, of
course, the minister of home affairs and the minister in charge
of regional autonomy, the governors of the regions in question
and political leaders of all parties representing the provinces
in question. Sabam Sirait rightly asked: "What are they doing?"

People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais, who took
the commendable initiative to meet with students in Makassar, had
to pay a high price when he had to be rushed to the airport in a
police car which was pelted with stones. This while the students
know that Amien is a moderate politician who is ready to accept
federalism if the time comes and the need arises.

I now feel that a personal visit by either Gus Dur or Vice
President Megawati Soekarnoputri to the trouble spots at this
stage is not recommendable or useful; let the ministers do the
job first.

Yet, it would be wise for Gus Dur to postpone his visit to the
People's Republic of China until after the Aceh problem has been
settled.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta