Indonesia's future not in hands of elite: Gus Dur

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid played down on Friday the importance of the planned meeting of the country's top four leaders which failed to materialize on Wednesday, saying the future of the country's 209 million people did not depend on the four people.

Speaking at a public dialog after saying the Friday prayer at Nurun Nabawi Mosque in Metro, Lampung, the President reminded people of the fallacy of expecting too much from him, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais and House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung.

Abdurrahman also dismissed fears that the relations of the four power brokers would also affect relations with their supporters in the grassroots.

"You have made a big mistake, because you put the fate of a nation on only four people. You are wrong," Abdurrahman said in response to Purwidagdo, who expressed his concern over the failed meeting.

The President asserted that the failed evening meeting would not have much to do with the ties between the country's largest Muslim organizations Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah.

Gus Dur, as the President is popularly known, is a former NU chairman, while Amien formerly chaired Muhammadiyah.

"Muhammadiyah and NU will not clash just because of the four people," Abdurrahman said.

Akbar was originally named the host of the meeting, but the venue was later moved to a hotel in South Jakarta. The meeting was canceled for unclear reasons.

According to Akbar, the meeting was called off because Amien was sick. Amien, however, denied Akbar's explanation and said he would not attend as Megawati had to.

"Of course, it would have been very good if the four people had met. And even though they did not meet, you should not worry," the President tried to convince Purwidagdo.

Abdurrahman also denied media reports which quoted Megawati as confirming her willingness to attend the meeting on Wednesday.

"When Ibu Mega was asked by a journalist, she just kept quiet. Then, because she was silent, it was interpreted that she would come," Abdurrahman argued.

When asked by journalists at the State Palace, the Vice President pointed her finger to the President in a clear indication that she would join him at the meeting.

The President hinted that he was ready to attend the meeting regardless of Megawati's absence.

"For me, it is easy. The next time, any one (of us) who wants to meet, please come. For those who do not want to come, they do not need to. It is easy," said Abdurrahman, as quoted by Antara. (prb)