New practice

New practice

From Jurnal Indonesia

The reform era, which was ushered in by Soeharto's bold act of relinquishing power, has seen stepping down or withdrawal from one's position become a new trend.

Apart from former president Soeharto, former president B.J. Habibie also withdrew from the presidential race. A few other government officials have done likewise in certain cases.

However, after stepping down became a common practice, relieving a person of his post then became a trend. President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid begun this practice. He has relieved Gen. Wiranto, BI governor Syahril Sabirin, Jusuf Kalla, Laksamana Sukardi and so forth from their respective positions.

Now Gus Dur has taken it a step further. Exercising his prerogative, he discharged National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo and Indonesian Military (TNI) deputy commander Fachrul Rozy from their respective positions. Both were relieved of their positions, they did not ask to step down but were forced to do so.

On the one hand, we are witnessing a new practice, i.e. the courage to discharge someone. On the other, however, I wonder whether this nation is really prepared for this new practice.

IVAN RUSTIADI

Jakarta