Megawati's ASEAN tour

From Kompas

Since Megawati was propelled to the helm of the presidency of this country, she has yet to take a single significant measure or adopt a clear policy to respond to the pressing economic recovery or urgent demands to restore security and political stability.

What concerns us now is her planned working visit, as conveyed by State/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo on July 30, 2001, to ASEAN countries: the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore, slated to take place from Aug. 22, 2001 to Aug. 26, 2001.

If possible, Megawati should consider postponing her planned visit, as a manifestation of her consistency and awareness of the people's plight. Due to their preoccupation with their own political interests, the so-termed leaders have abandoned their people and left them to their own devices for about two years now.

Although the visit is important as it is meant to get political support closely related to our economic recovery, it is not as simple as that.

Direct handling of national problems by the President, assisted by her ministers, should be more important to boost public trust rather than to get political support from ASEAN member countries.

Megawati should not repeat the mistakes made by former president Abdurrahman Wahid who was fond of traveling abroad.

It is high time Megawati proved her commitment: to prioritize the people's interests over political ones. What is important for Megawati is that she must not easily be influenced by her advisers who are perhaps unaware of how the people feel now.

ROBI NURHADI

Jakarta