It is democracy at last

Former president Habibie's term report rejection was the crucial turning point to bring democracy back to this country. Together with a comrade in arms in the People's Consultative Assembly and outside, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) had shown consistency and firm determination to prove that democracy implies an undisputed true value in real life. It is invaluable. Thank God, Habibie, claiming himself to be a democrat, implicitly acknowledged to the shortcomings in his report. He came back to his common sense by rejecting the ego maniac and die hard opportunistic supporters in and outside the Assembly. Habibie dropped his presidency nomination.

Two presidential nominees came to the stage. Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, and Megawati. Both claimed to be like brother and sister. They dramatically exercised true democracy. Members of the Assembly cast their votes in favor of Gus Dur. Megawati lost the battle.

The vice presidency was the last hope. Megawati, nominated by the National Awakening Party (PKB), entered the last battle ready to lose for the second time. She had to compete with Akbar Tanjung, the chairman of Golkar, Gen. Wiranto, the commander of the Indonesian Military, and Hamzah Haz, the chairman of the United Development Party (PPP). PKB worked hard to secure an unanimous acceptance of Megawati as vice president. Akbar and Wiranto declined the nomination but not Hamzah Haz. Amien Rais, the Assembly speaker, did not succeed in persuading Hamzah Haz to do the same. Why!

What is the outcome of the power sharing that was informally agreed to in the political conspiracy to kick Megawati out of the national scene. Amien Rais from the National Mandate Party (PAN), holding the fifth rank in the last general election, became the speaker of the Assembly. House Speaker Akbar Tanjung is from Golkar, the second winner. Gus Dur, who was elected president, was sponsored by PKB, the third winner. Hamzah Haz from PPP, the fourth winner of the election, was backed up by his compatriots but had to fight for himself. A betrayal? Only heaven knows.

The show must go on. A democracy must be by voting. Hamzah Haz lost the fight to a woman. Being Vice President is good enough. The millions of bulls led by Megawati have won the war. Mama Mega will be seen again in Merdeka Palace, where she was brought up during her childhood, and she will accompany Gus Dur to lead the country in true democracy.

DOANGSA SITUMEANG

Jakarta