Megawati: Leader (only) of her own party

Megawati: Leader (only) of her own party

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan)
celebrated its 30th anniversary in glamorous fashion in Bali last
week.

Megawati Soekarnoputri, PDI Perjuangan chairperson, who is
also the President of the Republic, in her speech to supporters,
said that the government had no other choice but to increase
fuel, electricity and telephone prices.

She said the government had made the unpopular decision in
order to bring the nation out of its prolonged crisis.

The message is clear, but the question remains in what
capacity she spoke. Did she speak in her capacity as the party
chairperson or as President?

What is certain is that Megawati has yet to respond to the
people's outcry over the increase in utility prices. It is
obvious that Megawati thought addressing supporters of PDI
Perjuangan meant the same as addressing the nation. Megawati
showed confidence when speaking in front of her supporters in
Bali.

The real problem is not the decision to increase the utility
prices, but in the cowardly manner in which the government
announced the decision. It was more important that it should have
announced the decision transparently, and at the right time.

Worse, Megawati proved herself to possess poor political
acumen and communication skills when she spoke to her audience in
Bali about the controversial policy. This is evidence that she
cares more about her constituents than for the people of
Indonesia.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta