On the need for a female president

On the need for a female president

The Jakarta Post reported Wednesday, Nov. 19 that Abdurrahman
Wahid (popularly known as Gus Dur), chairman of the powerful
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) organization, said that it is time for a
female president.

It is rather unfortunate that he did not give a reason. Why
does he suddenly think that it is time for a female president,
other than the fact that Islam does not bar women from state
leadership? If Islam is the reason, then it is not yet clear why
we need a female president now and not before, because Islam has
existed for hundreds of years.

Indonesia upholds the principle of equality between men and
women. We have female ministers, female government officials,
female members of the Armed Forces and female members of the
House of Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly.
To me it is not important whether the president is a lady or a
gentleman, as long as this person qualifies for the job.

The president should be able to lead this country, bring peace
and prosperity, and create a God-fearing law-abiding nation.

What are the qualifications for a person to be considered fit
for president? Let us read Decree No. II/MPR/1973 of the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Article 1: The presidential and vice presidential candidates
are autochthonous Indonesians and ... have to: a) be Indonesian
citizens; b) be at least 40 years of age; c) still possess the
right to be elected; d) believe in almighty God; e) be loyal to
the ideals of the Aug. 17, 1945 proclamation...

The list proceeds to the letter "n" with a total of 14
conditions. Within these stipulations, nothing is mentioned about
being a man or a woman.

There should be a very special reason why this topic has
suddenly emerged and become a matter of discussion. And it comes
from a respected and well-known leader of an old established
religious organization. This attracts the attention of the
community.

This needs an explanation and I would be very grateful if
Bapak Gus Dur could give me one.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta