National reconciliation
From Koran Tempo
The gotong royong(mutual help) Cabinet has finally been set up and received positively by the market, accompanied by improving macroeconomic indicators and the public's hope that national economic recovery will prevail in the near future.
This hope, however, will remain just a hope if some dissatisfied groups still seek to cause trouble in the Cabinet, mobilize the masses to create unrest or spread terror. It is understandable that President Megawati, just like anybody else, cannot satisfy everybody.
It is no longer the time to go on infighting, bringing down one another. We need calm and peace to rebuild our country. It is now time for politicians to prove that they place national interests above their own or their groups' interests. In this context, the attempt to bring about reconciliation initiated by Vice President Hamzah Haz must be supported by all parties, including former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid and his National Awakening Party (PKB).
The country is still under the threat of instability as long as Gus Dur and his party refuse to accept the results of the People's Consultative Assembly's Special Session and recognize Megawati's administration. As a champion of democracy, Gus Dur must respect the votes of the majority to support Megawati's administration. This support has come not only from the House Representative/People's Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR) but also from the international community.
As a Muslim leader, Gus Dur will surely accept the offer of reconciliation. Although holding no position in the Cabinet, the National Awakening Party must work effectively in the DPR/MPR to fight for the aspirations of its constituents as an opposition. After reconciliation is achieved, the PKB faction can resume its work in the legislative body to take part in Megawati's administration.
With the return of the PKB to the DPR/MPR, hopefully, there will be no further political turmoil until 2004. The public is fed up with political conflict and would like to see the whole nation united to eradicate poverty.
HARDIONO
Jepara, Central Java