People's concern

People's concern

From Pelita

Statements concerning presidential hopefuls are nothing new. During the Old Order regime, the slogan "Life and death for Bung Karno" resounded. In the New Order regime, there always was one presidential candidate only. It proved that the whole population unanimously elected its candidate, at least through political organizations and mass organizations which vied with each other to champion Soeharto.

Now, in the reform era, after a show of force to support Megawati with bloody thumbprints and signatures on a record- breaking length of cloth, retaliatory action will be taken to back Habibie. The political climate is heating up before the General Session of the People's Consultative Council (MPR).

I am greatly concerned about the situation. This nation recently completed a general election viewed as the most democratic so far. Praise has been voiced at regular intervals, including from observers abroad. However, the values of democracy are now fading as a result of the behavior of fanatical supporters of the two camps. They do not understand that democracy implies acceptance of defeat and the simultaneous recognition of another party's victory. The supporters are no longer rational and apparently want to impose their beliefs on others. It creates a situation in which clashes are not easy to avert.

The inevitable consequence is the devastation of our nation, while other nations snigger in amusement and smirk like a Cheshire cat.

SYNTHIA WAROUW

Jakarta