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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