Little revelry in Bali over Megawati's presidency

Little revelry in Bali over Megawati's presidency

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): There was little sign of festivity and no
public displays of euphoria in the streets of Denpasar and other
cities in Bali when Megawati Soekarnoputri was sworn in as
Indonesia's fifth president on Monday.

A few hours earlier, on Monday evening, people were wary that
thousands of Megawati's faithful followers on the island, one of
the strongholds of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
(PDI Perjuangan), would wildly celebrate her appointment as
president.

Bali's police, supported by the Indonesian Military, had been
on high alert, anticipating any possible commotion from the
celebrations.

Most Balinese vividly remember how PDI Perjuangan faithful ran
amok, destroying and burning numerous government buildings and
public facilities, to express their dissatisfaction with their
leader's defeat in the l999 presidential election.

Two years later, it was quite ironic that Megawati's
appointment as president made little impression.

Major streets in Denpasar were quiet, while business and
entertainment activities in the glittering Kuta, Sanur and Nusa
Dua holiday resorts continued their routine activities as if
nothing had happened.

Some PDI Perjuangan members were seen praying at the party's
Denpasar office on Jl. Banteng on Monday night.

Bali seems far removed from the social and political hustle
and bustle of the nation's capital.

Local radio station Global Bali Kini Jani FM, the island's
first news radio station, held an interactive program inviting
listeners to comment on Megawati's election.

One caller's comments probably represented the feeling of
most: "I do not object to anybody becoming president. What's more
important is that he or she should be able to solve the country's
problems and lead the nation to a better future."

Another caller interestingly commented: "Let people in Jakarta
fight each other, but don't disturb Bali. What we need most is
food, jobs and proper housing."

Sociologist Putu Suasta suggested that this social phenomenon
was the consequence of Balinese being tired of reading or hearing
about the political strife.

"Everybody is busy thinking about their own stomachs and their
own businesses. We're bored with the never-ending foes among
elite political groups," explained Suasta.

Suasta also believes that Balinese have gradually lost
sympathy for the party.

"Many members of PDI Perjuangan currently holding an important
position in either the provincial or regional governments, as
well as legislative bodies, have proven incapable of solving most
problems on the island," Suasta asserted.

Megawati, the eldest daughter of Indonesia's first president
Sukarno, captured the emotional and cultural affection of many
Balinese people because of her Balinese descent.

Sukarno's mother, Megawati's grandmother, was Ida Ayu Nyoman
Rai of Balinese aristocracy, descending from Bale Agung Griya in
Singaraja in Buleleng regency, North Bali.

During the New Order era, Megawati was regarded as a martyr
and symbol of struggle, which gained enormous support from
Balinese.

"But, now there is no shared enemy (namely the New Order
regime) to unite all members of the party. I think PDI
Perjuangan, especially in Bali, is no longer as solid as it was
before," Suasta asserted.

Descendants of the Balinese half of the Sukarno family in Bale
Agung in Singaraja have reportedly carried out a series of
rituals called nyejer for the past two months, seeking divine
protection and guidance.

"We hope that Ida Sanghyang Widhi Wasa (God) will guide
Megawati and other leaders in the country to govern the country
wisely," said Hardika, one of the family's members, as quoted by
Antara.

For Balinese, who believe in the concept of natural
equilibrium, these rituals are ways of balancing the lower and
upper worlds.

Many believe the concept has protected Bali from any political
and social upheaval. How it will protect Megawati remains to be
seen in the near future. (zen/raw)