Ignoring nation's plight for Shanghai Summit

Kornelius Purba, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Despite recent development in Indonesia's political and economic situation, President Megawati Soekarnoputri will be among leaders to attend the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shanghai on Sunday.

Amid nationwide protests, some involving violence, against the U.S-British attacks on Afghanistan, the President is determined to depart for China on Wednesday for a five-day visit there.

Even one day before her departure, she was scheduled to attend the routine weekly meeting of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) instead of chairing a Cabinet meeting.

After a brief stopover to inaugurate a project in Batam, the President and her entourage will fly to Hong Kong and stay there for two nights. State Protocol Chief Rachmat Ranudiwidjaja explained that her stay in Hong Kong was intended to give the President an opportunity to prepare for the APEC Leaders Meeting (AELM).

Of course, her senior aides, like State/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo, will quickly defend the visit to China, including her two-day stay in Hong Kong, as strategically important for Indonesia's survival. Furthermore, it will be stated that the visit to China was scheduled long before the Sept. 11 tragedy.

There is no doubt that the APEC summit is very important, although most of its decisions are practically non-binding in nature. Indonesia is a prominent APEC member.

But Megawati, as with all world leaders, should alter her priorities following Sept. 11.

In Shanghai, the President will again meet with U.S. President George W. Bush, whom she met in Washington last month. She had earlier expressed her support for U.S. efforts to curb terrorism, but avoided commenting about possible attacks on Afghanistan.

In the planned second meeting with Bush, Megawati should send a strong message for domestic consumption rather than for the international community.

International terrorism will again become the focus of the summit. Chinese President Jiang Zemin has reportedly sent a personal letter to APEC leaders, telling them that they are expected to sign an anti-terrorism agreement at the summit. The agreement will cover joint efforts to drum up aviation and port security and curb the financing of terrorism.

But what can Megawati bring home from Shanghai as her gift to Indonesia in resolving the country's unending crises?

Following the U.S.-British strikes on Afghanistan, most Indonesian leaders have totally changed tactics, at least in public. Megawati's potential rivals have now seemed to opt for silence, avoiding any blunder on the way to the 2004 presidential election.

Politicians ranging from People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais to House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung, have suddenly adopted Megawati's customary silence as a recipe for self-protection in these politically sensitive moments, as rallies continue against the U.S.-led attacks.

Criticizing the U.S. and western countries too strongly may also cost them dearly. Those countries can easily group such leaders outside their category of friends, while support is essential for their political future.

Within Indonesia, they may have to pay too dear a price if they fail to appease angry anti-American groups.

Even Vice President Hamzah Haz, who after the terrorists attacks on the U.S. rebuked the superpower, now refrains from commenting on the Afghan crisis, following complaints from the West, including U.S. President George W. Bush.

This time Hamzah must show leadership as part of the ruling coalition government. If he is too "soft" he will face resistance from his United Development Party (PPP), while a harsh position against the West might harm his chances in the 2004 presidential race.

After his failure to win the vice presidential post in July, the cautious Akbar has announced his presidential candidacy. While urging the government to adopt a tougher stance against the U.S., Akbar also opposed calls to cut ties with the superpower. Also the Golkar Party chairman, Akbar only vaguely warned against destructive protests against the U.S..

Amien, who has also disclosed his candidacy, is also reluctant to address the media. He may still remember that his statement over the clashes in Ambon during a rally at the Monas square early last year had disappointed many, including those from foreign countries.

Look at the Cabinet, as well as senior officers within the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is trying to please everybody, including the demonstrators, through his cryptic statements. He impressed many in July with his elegant defeat in the vice presidential election. Many regard him as another potential candidate for 2004.

TNI Commander Admiral Widodo A.S. is also hesitant. Widodo turned 57 this year. Mandatory retirement for military service is 55 unless permission for an extension of service up to the age of 60 is obtained from the President.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto does not want problems with the majority, the Muslims. He is the strongest candidate to replace Widodo this year.

National Police Chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro, who soon turns 56, has tried to harden the police position against illegal demonstrations. He is working slowly, also probably looking for a possible extension of his tenure by the President.

For now, they seem to agree that silence is golden -- regardless of the suffering of the nation.