Nation in danger of collapse if instability not resolved: Susilo

JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono warned of the nation's collapse if questions over the national leadership, stability and security are not quickly resolved.

Alluding to the House of Representatives' memorandum process against President Abdurrahman Wahid and a possible special session of the People's Consultative Assembly, Susilo believes the uncertainty will last until July or August, bringing with it debilitating consequences.

"This uncertainty will have a severe impact, not only on the political front, but also in our economic, social and security fields," he said adding that he was also concerned that it will be aggravated by political activism which will further agitate the conflict.

"Quite honestly, with the issuance of a memorandum by the House of Representatives against President Abdurrahman Wahid, the credibility and authority of Gus Dur has decreased, which directly or indirectly has effected the credibility of the government," Susilo said.

Usually reserved from making direct political statements, Susilo in what seemed to be an expression of his frustration and concern at the state of the nation, on Sunday personally distributed a six-page statement to journalists written on paper that did not include the official masthead of his office.

The solution, he said, lies in the hands of this nation's political elite: Abdurrahman, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Assembly Speaker Amien Rais and House Speaker Akbar Tandjung.

He added that the House, the government and major political parties can also influence the solution.

In the statement, Susilo then pleaded for an end to the use of violence as a means of resolving the national leadership issue.

"The word is peace and order, no matter how large the mass demonstrations are."

Susilo then charged that even though the term "national stability and security" may be considered unpopular due to its militaristic connotation, but added that "without it this nation would be a sea of chaos, violence and tension."

He called for a common perception among all elements of society to arrive at a consensus which can be pursued.

"Don't practice the law of the jungle. Don't implement a principle of winner takes all," Susilo appealed.

But elsewhere over the weekend the politicking continued.

Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung in Makassar, South Sulawesi, punctuated the growing support for Megawati to succeed the presidency.

Speaking to journalists after delivering a political speech in before the party's cadres on Saturday, Akbar said he will provide total support for Megawati if she replaces Abdurrahman in a constitutional manner.

"If in a constitutional way Megawati replaces Gus Dur, Golkar will give its support to her to ensure that she will succeed to lead the country as president," Akbar remarked.

Support for Megawati to take over from the embattled President has grown following the issuance of a memorandum against Abdurrahman after he was implicated in two financial scandals by the House.

Ironically the most ardent pronouncements for Megawati in recent weeks have come from the very same Islamic parties which stifled her presidential bid in 1999 by declaring that it would be improper for a woman to be president.

Meanwhile in Jakarta, PDI Perjuangan hinted that the party was not merely seeking backing for Megawati, but also assurances that if she takes over she will not endure the kind of political assault as her predecessor.

"What we are doing is not simply trying to gain support for Megawati, but also to achieve political stability needed by all political parties for the next general election," secretary of the party's faction at the House, Heri Akhmadi, told The Jakarta Post. (02/27/30/dja)