King or queen?
The people are shortly to make a very historic decision -- to elect either a king (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) or queen, (Megawati Soekarnoputri).
It is a bit tragic, however, that while both claim to aspire to democratic ideals, they have to battle it out in the presidential election instead of cooperating with each other for the sake of a solid future.
In the case of animals of the same species, one finds only cooperation, not confrontation. How it is possible that human democracy is able to bring together two of the same species -- the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Democratic Party -- for a deadly confrontation? The two would make a "dream team" in the best interests of the nation, if they could cooperate and sing in unison.
It is only because a majority of the electorate wanted a change at the top of government that they voted for the king. This merely indicates a mistaken perception that one man at the top of the pyramid will be able to change the structure below (the habits and mentality of the entire nation). Besides, the king disappointed many, earlier, when he left his job in charge of security unfinished, to seek higher office, thus showing an unsteady character trait.
So, the most natural coalition should, therefore, be sought between the king and queen. But politics is a queer thing: It can make people do what they do not want or say what they do not mean. It also makes politicians greedy and they ignore their promises. Do the king and queen not want the same things for society? If such a "natural" coalition could be realized with immediate effect, a second-round presidential election would not be needed. And, more importantly, no more huge sums would be wasted on preparing for the battle.
Of course, this is just wishful thinking now. The harsh reality is a possible recurrence of military measures if things do not go the king's way. In nature, on the other hand, no queen bee is known to be willing to stoop to conquer, knowing that her strength lies in the parliamentary majority. In other words, two political animals are now left chasing the same prey under Pancasila (the state philosophy), yet refuse to join forces under formal, democratic rules. This makes control by the legislators, the media and private watchdogs over the battle between the "white-mouthed bull" and the "smiling bull" more imperative in times to come.
In the meantime, the queen thinks, rightly or wrongly, she can stride forward alone like a proud peacock, elected or not.
GANDHI SUKARDI Jakarta