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)