More trouble and strife on the cards in 2002
Ida Indawati Khouw, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
"Happy New Year!" is the usual greeting when a new year is approaching. But how should we welcome 2002 if the predictions are full of doom and gloom?
The seemingly endless political machinations have been forecasted to continue. Ethnic and religious conflicts continue to envelop pockets of the country. The economy lies in shambles. Add to the mix a spate of natural disasters, and it looks like business as usual for Indonesia in 2002.
Three Jakarta psychics say that trouble will affect Indonesians in all walks of life -- from political to economic to social affairs, the country will also be beset by natural catastrophes. They also warn of an escalation of violence and clashes at the grassroots level.
The psychics predicted that the government would have to resort to a firm approach in dealing with the upheaval if it does not want the country to slide into greater chaos.
"The government should be brave enough to take a shoot-on-the- spot approach when handling various kinds of violence that will color the country more next year," psychic H. Bahagia, who works in the Glodok commercial center of the capital, said.
Noted psychic Lauren, from Cipinang Indah in East Jakarta, said bloodshed will escalate throughout the country.
"Religious conflict will continue here, thus I warn all parties to be careful in implementing policies, because taking any wrong path can become a trigger for (extremist) groups" seeking to cause trouble, she said.
Christine, who operates from Mal Mangga Dua shopping mall in West Jakarta, warned that the uncertain security situation will reach its peak in the middle of 2002.
"People will be quite shocked by that," said Christine.
All three psychics agreed that President Megawati Soekarnoputri will be severely challenged by the upheaval, and Lauren felt that the developments could topple her government from power.
"It will be so difficult for her, as there will be so many political disturbances, there are too many parties pursuing the presidency," said Lauren.
But Bahagia and Christine believe that Megawati will finish her term of office in 2004 because she is divinely blessed.
"Ma (mother) Kwan Im (the Chinese goddess) will still be with her, but she must struggle for her power, one of the ways is through having control over the military and police forces," said Bahagia.
Christine said that, although Megawati will survive the political test, the President would not be reelected.
She also warned that the legacy of power from the New Order regime of Soeharto would still beleaguer the President.
"In my prediction, the regime will have power for the next three years -- the regime's power can be maintained because it still has a great amount of money," she said.
That, she noted, is one of the reasons the case of Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the recently apprehended youngest son of former president Soeharto, will drag out.
All three also gave pessimistic predictions regarding the country's economic situation.
Lauren believes the first six months of 2002 will be the most difficult time for the country's economy.
"I suggest (the government) pay more attention to agriculture and husbandry as the world, including Indonesia, will face food scarcity," she said.
Things will be a bit better in the areas of housing, health, telecommunications and educational sectors, Lauren predicts.
However, mother nature will take a terrible toll. The psychics said the country would be battered by floods and earthquakes.
"But a particularly great disaster will occur at sea that will claim a large number of victims, thus I warn those whose jobs are related to the sea to be especially careful," Lauren said.
Lauren predicted that the health sector would see an escalation in incidents of respiratory and skin diseases, and that there would also be a malaria outbreak.
Perhaps the only good news on the medical front is that certain medicines to treat cancer from Indonesia will be internationally recognized, Lauren said.