On female president

The debate about the possibility of a woman being Indonesia's president has become a prolonged debate in society. Further, I refer to Mr. Wisdarmanto's letter of June 22. I would like to comment on this matter as follows.

1. In analyzing the teachings of Islam we must always refer to the Koran and Hadiths. We cannot do it simply by comparing things to the practices in a country which coincidentally has a Muslim population such as Pakistan or Turkey. And Turkey, as we all know, has, since a long time ago, officially declared itself as a secular country.

2. To compare the title or the job of presidency with the leading position in the neighborhood community, village, province and mass organization, etc., is not proportional because there are differences in scope, authority, responsibility and the weight of the job.

3. Regarding your question, I would like to ask you the same question: if Megawati's surname was not Soekarnoputri, would people still choose her? For this point, I'd like to share my opinion with you. To become a leader, unfortunately, it is not enough just to be loved or respected. To be a leader, one must have the capability and most of all trust. And trust is, indeed, the most important thing.

4. To compare Eddi Tansil with Wardah Hafidz is neither proportional nor relevant. There is no way you can compare a swindler with a well-known social worker, especially based on gender.

I need to say that I am neutral and I am just trying to put things into proportion. As far as I am concerned, whoever the people choose constitutionally is entitled to be president. I feel obliged to give some comments on the Islamic teachings you mentioned in your letter.

VITTO R. TAHAR

Jakarta