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