Leadership
The recent 16th National Seminar organized by the Indonesian Political Science Association in Malang, East Java, pointed out that Indonesia is suffering from a leadership crisis. The current (national) leaders are said to be lacking a sense of direction.
These are not really new statements. Most Indonesians have been aware of the leadership crisis even when the New Order regime was still in power.
Confusion occurred when the country rejected B.J. Habibie, who continued the New Order regime post Soeharto. Since then we have had no (political leaders) trusted by the people. None of the current leaders brings hope for a better future for the country.
(President) Megawati Soekarnoputri, who received public sympathy (as an oppressed figure) after the fall of Soeharto, has proven herself to be a person to be loved but not a figure with promising plans to bring the people a better life.
Do we have other choices? Hamzah Haz is not the one we need. Amine Rais? No way. Akbar Tandjung may be worse.
Security problems, law enforcement and economic recovery have yet to be dealt with properly. Religious and ethnic intolerance is still rampant among the people while the eradication of corruption is going nowhere.
Everything is still uncertain as we nearing the 2004 General Election. No one has appeared as a promising national leader.
Ironically, despite such uncertainties, we will still have to vote (for the existing leaders) in the next election. --Harian Ekonomi Neraca -- Jakarta
A challenge to the athletes
President Megawati Soekarnoputri visited the athletes (preparing for the 14th Asian Games) at the National Training Center at the Senayan complex in Jakarta on Wednesday.
She also disclosed her expectations that Indonesia's athletes could bring 15 gold medals home from the 14th Asian Games to be held in Busan, South Korea, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 14.
Megawati's expectation is really a challenge for the National Sports Council (KONI) as the training programs for Indonesian athletes have been deteriorating due to the prolonged economic crisis (which started in 1997).
The fall of Soeharto's regime has also affected the development of sports training programs.
In the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, Indonesia was able to take only six gold medals, 10 silver and 11 bronze.
Megawati's wish could become a reality if there was an X factor that could propel the athletes' spirit and will to struggle.
Theoretically, with what KONI has, retaining six gold medals in Busan will be very good. If the athletes can collect seven golds that would be extraordinary, and we should slaughter 100 buffaloes for a very big thanksgiving ceremony to God.
However, sport is not mathematics. Anything can happen. If luck is on our side, it's time for KONI and the people to demand that the government pay more attention to the development of sports. Warta Kota -- Jakarta