Maelstrom facing Gus Dur's govt

Maelstrom facing Gus Dur's govt

From Suara Karya

While the nation's new government is striving to carry out a series of measures in its reform agenda, we were suddenly surprised by the demand of Aceh to free itself from the Indonesian republic through a referendum.

It seems that President Abdurrahman Wahid's government is bombarded with a number of problems. All the problems are serious, ranging from sharp criticism, condemnation, protests against injustices, the sluggish handling of the problems of corruption, collusion and nepotism, to the most dangerous issue of disintegration of the unitary country.

It is true that, given the multidimensional nature of the country in terms of ethnicities, religions, traditions and cultures, and heterogeneity, this country holds great potential to disintegrate. A number of issues seems to stem from the marked gap between the majority on the one hand and the minority on the other. Besides, the trend for openness and democracy have given rise to many problems in a country still not quite ready to face the new concept. Disintegration will ultimately lead the country to destruction as it breaks up into smaller nations.

It is here the President should show his managerial skills, through listening to accommodate the people's cries, lead the nation to the New Indonesia and maintain the country's territorial integrity.

ADE NUR FAUZY

Jakarta