People power hurts Indonesia's image

People power hurts Indonesia's image

As pressure mounts on Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid to quit or be impeached, his supporters and detractors have been planning rallies and protests to gather support for their cause. Protesters, including university students, have been agitating for reforms to stamp out corruption, kick-start economic recovery and end communal violence that has claimed thousands of lives and maimed many others.

It must be remembered that it is the people who voted in Gus Dur as the first democratically elected President and even if they perceive that he has not fulfilled his election pledges, street violence is not the cure for the ailment. This so-called people power may give outside observers the impression that violence, or threat of violence, is part and parcel of life in Indonesia.

The political uncertainty is stifling the economy which is agonizing for strong leadership and confidence to put it back on the growth path. Indeed, it will be a sad day if the future of a country is decided on the streets.

-- The New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur