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