Jacob Tobing mindful of duty but not overawed

Jacob Tobing mindful of duty but not overawed

JAKARTA (JP): How does it feel to be in charge of a commission
assigned to alter the nation's Constitution?

"Anxious," was Commission A chairman Jacob Tobing's answer.

In the last two sessions of the People's Consultative
Assembly, in October and the current annual session, the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan)
legislator has been a man to watch.

Not necessarily for his political power, but for his apt
political and leadership skills that have propelled him to a
position of influence in the proceedings.

This time around he is charged with heading a commission
tasked with amending the Constitution.

The 57-year old senior politician told The Jakarta Post on
Monday he would like the amendment to progress smoothly and
swiftly, but on the other hand he understand that a hasty
decision could cost the nation dearly.

"On the one hand I feel responsible to accomplish the task and
urged my fellow Assembly members to realize that. But there are
some uncertain feelings because many sensitive issues, if not
decided wisely, will give immediate or long term negative
impact," Jacob said.

The soft-spoken legislator recognizes that the future of the
country may depend on his decisions and direction during the
amendment hearings.

He extols the power of prayer for helping him through trying
times.

"However big the responsibilities, I always manage to pass
through the night and sleep well after I say my prayers and ask
my Lord to give me strength and wisdom to face the next day," he
added.

Jacob also points out that as a leader of a commission, one
should always try to communicate with colleagues as much as
possible.

"I always try to have good communication with my fellow
commission members. Luckily I have a great group here and I guess
it's only human if there are one or two people who are a little
bit different," Jacob remarked.

Born in Riau on July 13, 1943, Jacob received a masters degree
in economics and politics from Harvard University in the United
States. He has been married to Adriana Sihotang since 1971. They
have two sons and two daughters.

But Jacob is not without his detractors. Many have accused him
during the current annual session of being too slow in pushing
the commission to conclude the amendments.

Many have also questioned the intention of Jacob to really
finish the amendments as his party has taken a strong stance to
keep the current 1945 Constitution unchanged.

In reply, Jacob called on his critics to understand the
monumental issues at hand.

"I'm not trying to hamper the process. People should
understand we have a strong emotional relationship with the 1945
Constitution," he added.

In the past when he headed the Indonesian Election Committee,
many also alleged he helped his party win the 1999 general
election.

But Jacob remained calm and seemingly without vengefulness.

"One thing is important. We should never strike back at
accusations because it will be very unhealthy. Just leave them
be, people will finally see the truth," Jacob said.

Jacob's political career is unique.

Before joining PDI Perjuangan in 1998, he was one of Golkar
Party's deputy chairmen from 1988 to 1993.

When asked to compare the two parties, Jacob said PDI
Perjuangan represented people from a more pluralistic background.

"It is more egalitarian. Supporters come from varied
backgrounds and are very nationalistic. In PDI Perjuangan we can
find the most intellectual to most simple people. While Golkar
comprises mostly intellectuals and has a solid structure," he
said.

Jacob said he sees Indonesia through PDI Perjuangan. Adding
with a smile that PDI Perjuangan is more interesting, though more
chaotic than Golkar. (dja)