Leadership

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