PDI at a crossroad

PDI at a crossroad

From Jayakarta

Since the congress in Medan three years ago, PDI (Indonesian
Democratic Party) has been in an unstable condition. It is not
extraordinary that around elections different contestants jostle
with each other.

PDI is now at a crossroad. Many senior members who have
wrestled with politics for a long time, long before the fusion
into a PDI, have now made a cautious move. Apparently they are
not willing to be led by a young and inexperienced newcomer.

The succession issue is not to be disputed because all of us
have been committed to one and only state philosophy, Pancasila,
and the 1945 Constitution with all their consequences and risks.
Succession will run smoothly if the situation and conditions are
conducive and stable.

The New Order has many failures but has also scored many
successes. Should a newcomer emerge, we would have to start from
scratch again, and, very likely one would fish in troubled water.

Success cannot be made overnight. In the New Order era there
is no need for emotional and provocative actions. Instead, we
have to concentrate on development and keep high morale.
Development continues for about 50 to 100 years. Opposition is
needed to point out existing failures and give tirelessly
constructive ideas.

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