Megawati deserves the glamor

I have a strong hunch that what has developed into the Megawati puzzle will be resolved soon. After losing three speakership battles -- in the Jakarta City Council, the People's Consultative Assembly and the House of Representatives -- the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) now seems to be facing an uphill battle to put its chairwoman in the presidential suite.

Although I sympathize with the Mega camp, believe me, my main concern is of a different nature; namely the deplorable fact that the leaders elected by the people have in mind their own glamor and the quest for power rather than the interests of the public. Or so it seems to the naked eye.

The multiple crises confronting the nation -- the national debt, poverty and regional autonomy, not to mention the deep- rooted culturally embedded practice of corruption at almost all levels of society, displaced persons and the problem of their children's education -- should be in the minds and hearts of every new legislator and councilor. Backwardness and poverty have reigned too long.

If no improvement is attained through the efforts of these legislators and councilors and their speakers, I, for one, believe we would have the right to call their hectic political activities nothing more than sinful cheating of the people, who are waiting with great expectations after patiently standing in lines to elect their representatives.

Of course, the party which emerged from the recent general election with the most seats in the House should be given the chance and democratic right to lead the government. If not, a social tidal wave of unimaginable proportions may sweep the nation.

Therefore the ideal solution, which also will balance the political forces of evil and benevolence, lies in a grand national coalition through genuine national reconciliation and generally acceptable power sharing. Perhaps this is more easily said than done. After all, democracy is tolerance too.

For a true patriot or for a plain citizen with goodwill (do we still have such people?), any position -- on the top (the presidency), in the middle or at the bottom -- provides an opportunity to serve the interests of the people. Megawati has a golden opportunity to do so from the top position. I would like her to realize that she may deserve the glamor, but she must still prove her worth.

If helped by trustworthy and honest advisers, I am sure she will manage.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta