Listen to the people's voice

Listen to the people's voice

From Rakyat Merdeka

The National Unity Cabinet under President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, and Vice President Megawati, has not demonstrated any significant achievements after almost 100 days has passed. This clearly shows how crucial the role of a president is, particularly in the beginning of the reform era.

Gus Dur has been known before as a leader who often launches a concept or exercises a maneuver outside the political arena. However, his election to the fourth presidency of this country should be seen as a blessing and should be given full public support.

Many a time, the people are startled by Gus Dur's statements and behavior as far as national issues are concerned. At the time when the New Order fell, for instance, Gus Dur, without any apparent psychological conflict, made frequent visits to Soeharto, much to the amazement of the general public. Public opinion then was that Soeharto was an enemy of the people's reform drive, whereas Gus Dur was a true reformist.

Here Gus Dur showed the people that he was an independent and nonpartisan figure. Even after he has become President, he has not been able to discard his unique style of conduct. The people kept wondering when Gus Dur made a controversial statement to the effect that trade relations would be established between Indonesia and Israel. Similarly, he said that he would make former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew his foreign economic advisor, much to the amazement of the general public, as if Indonesia lacked scholars with such expertise.

No less striking is when the situation in Aceh was worsening, as the Acehnese demanded an immediate referendum, Gus Dur chose to meet a number of world leaders rather than hold a dialog with the Acehnese, although we know that there must be a special purpose behind his foreign tour.

It seems that Gus Dur has great self-confidence, which is very important for a national leader. But, overconfidence can lead the democratic leader to become authoritarian.

We hope Gus Dur will listen to the people's voice. He should not repeat the mistakes of the new order regime, which ignored people's aspirations and reduced people to mere tools and symbols to maintain status quo.

True, Gus Dur has clearly stated that he was open to criticisms and would accept suggestions, but so far, this is rarely translated into full practice, as is clearly shown in a number of decisions on national issues.

GATOT ISNANDAR

Jakarta