Indonesia gets opportunity to change itself
Indonesia gets opportunity to change itself
SINGAPORE: The swift and peaceful political transition in Indonesia opens a small window of opportunity for a country that has suffered from uncertainty and impasse in the recent past. President Megawati Soekarnoputri struck the right note when she said: 'I call on all parties to accept this democratic process with sincerity ... This is the voice of the people which we must uphold. My conviction is that there is no single group that is able to solve the problems we are facing. Togetherness and unity are needed to carry this burden." She was not making the usual appeal for compromise, consensus and unity that political victors do.
How Indonesia deals with its immense problems depends crucially on how well its politicians manage to look beyond personal and partisan interests and amplify the voices of millions who are asking for stability and growth, two yardsticks by which they will judge the democratic process. What is required of those who are in charge of Indonesia's destiny is the ability to concentrate on rehabilitating the country politically and economically. The new President has the ability to do so. Those she has to work with must allow her to do so.
The set of people who will matter critically are, of course, those whom she selects as ministers. The crux of the issue, as a political analyst in Indonesia put it, will be her ability to lead a team by utilizing the potential of other people. The challenge for her, however, will be to induct experts who can deliver the goods, particularly in economic development, while reflecting the interests of the political spectrum that helped her to win power.
It is naive to believe that jockeying for positions will not accompany the change of leadership, particularly at a time of political flux such as Indonesia is now going through. Political parties and factions that supported her will want to see their contribution rewarded in the form of ministerial posts. But the overarching goal must remain that of achieving stability and growth.
If political wrangling detracts from that goal, Indonesia will find it difficult to overcome the setbacks it has suffered. What must be avoided at all costs is the rotating-door style of ministerial hirings and firings which did much to confirm her predecessor's reputation for ad hoc decisions and, indeed, erratic behavior.
The hope is that Indonesia will move forward now that it has a president who is supported by the legislature, apart from being hugely popular with the masses. She will have a chance to present a Cabinet containing experts who can come up with real solutions to urgent problems. The presence of a capable executive will be the first step towards restoring market confidence, particularly among international investors who need to be assured that policy- making will be predictable and that measures adopted will be implemented.
Indonesia's new leader is well-known for her nationalism. The sprawling archipelago needs the firm hand of a nationalist at the top. A unified Indonesia is important for the stability of Southeast Asia as well. The opportunity that has appeared is one that bodes well for the region as a whole.
As neighbors and friends, Singaporeans wish that Indonesians will seize the opportunity to rise above the turbulence and poverty that have tarnished their standing and image among nations. There is no illusion about the scope of the problems Jakarta faces. But there is no illusion, either, about the fact that something new has happened, and the new always holds out possibilities and promises.
-- The Straits Times/Asia News Network