People's views, expectations of President Abdurrahman

People's views, expectations of President Abdurrahman

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia entered a new stage in its history
with the election of its fourth President: controversial Muslim
scholar Abdurrahman Wahid. Better known as Gus Dur, he was
installed on Wednesday after beating the people's favorite,
Megawati Soekarnoputri, who was elected on Thursday as the
country's new Vice President.

The Jakarta Post talks to people from all walks of life to
share their ideas and expectations of the new President.

Anto Nurdianto, deputy director of PT Mercedes Benz Indonesia:
I think Gus Dur as Indonesia's fourth president is the best
choice. The previous presidents were not close to the people.
They all have their sight, but they can't see people's
aspirations. Gus Dur has poor eyesight, but he has great eyes of
the mind. He has the instinct to capture people's aspirations.

Even though he is physically weak, his mind is that of a
genius. I think his pairing with Megawati will take Indonesia
into a better future.

From a business point of view, if the political situation is
stable, the economy will grow. Gus Dur is accepted by all ethnic
and religious groups. He is very moderate, even too moderate for
Nahdlatul Ulama's standards.

Megawati, on the other hand, has been cast aside by the former
government. She has control over the people as they can
sympathize with her situation.

Gus Dur should concentrate on efficient economic development,
building Indonesia's standing in the international forum,
upholding enforcement of the law and continuing Habibie's reform
effort.

The pair has to establish a credible Cabinet, one consisting
of all the right people in the right positions, to be able to
properly govern the country and abolish all corruption, collusion
and nepotism (KKN).

I am sure that in the future, the share market will also grow
and the currency level will stabilize at a healthy level.

Pungky Bambang Purwadi, chairman of the Jakarta Chamber of
Commerce and Industry: With Gus Dur as our new president, the
path of reform has now become clearer. Before, there was
uncertainty on where the continuous struggle for reform would
take us.

The old government is leaving behind an abundance of
multidimensional homework. It is now Gus Dur's turn to complete
this task.

Gus Dur should follow the State Policy Guidelines and give top
priority to the rural-based economy and recovery of the national
economy.

Also, the business community expects that in the future the
government will not let the economy weigh too much on a certain
sector. There should be a balance among the different economic
sectors.

The performance of President Gus Dur will largely depend on
his Cabinet. So I hope the new Cabinet will consist of reformists
who must also be professional in carrying out their duties,
basically "the right man in the right position".

Ari Wibowo, secretary-general of University of Indonesia's
students executive board: As a student, I've never cared about
political figures. Maybe Gus Dur is someone who will gain
something out of the situation in the country. All I can say is
that he is the best among the worst because all political figures
have their own handicaps.

Gus Dur has to prove his will to be consistent in working for
reform, starting with the lineup of his Cabinet and the way he
deals with the crisis and strengthens democracy in the country.
Students need concrete moves from him to improve the country's
condition.

Students will give him an ultimatum if there are names of
political leaders from the New Order regime or from the Old Order
regime in his Cabinet. If he includes anyone from those regimes
we will doubt his credibility, and this will damage the process
of building students' trust.

What concerns me about his presidency is his ability to play
inside the political system and his surprising moves.

Nashua, taxi driver: For us drivers, that Megawati didn't
become president is not really a problem; not all of us are her
supporters. Gus Dur is OK ... the most important is that basic
needs become cheaper, if possible like before the crisis.

Ten thousand rupiah used to have value, a family could eat
quite decently then. Making construction materials cheaper is
also important. People in the kampongs were already screaming
when cement was about Rp 10,000 a sack, now it's about Rp 16,000.

What's also important is a sense of security. Especially for
us in towns. We come to towns to make a living. We cannot do that
if there are riots all the time.

Will Gus Dur be able to eliminate KKN? Well I'm not sure, that
depends on individuals. Regardless of whether someone's a Muslim
or not, he or she can be just as corrupt.

Wiganda, staffer at the City Parks Agency: Gus Dur is accepted
by all components. Indeed, he is impeded by his poor eyesight,
but clear vision is more important than just physical appearance.
His health may prove an obstacle in performing presidential
tasks, therefore he must be backed by a strong and honest
Cabinet. His first task should be the immediate selection of the
right aides to complete his daunting tasks, and addressing the
country's economic problems.

Sunoto, security guard at the Central Jakarta District Court:
Gus Dur is a man with great understanding and knowledge. He is
also an honest man. However, he has a physical handicap which he
must deal with immediately before he can get in tune with
presidential tasks. I am sad to imagine a president being guided
by aides wherever he goes.

Gherson Renta, staffer at the Central Jakarta Prosecutor's
Office: Actually I object to having a partially blind president,
but he is a president who can be accepted by the people. Gus Dur
must lay down a strong base of supremacy of the law before he
steps forward to cure other social and economic problems of the
country.

Bringing former president Soeharto to trial would also be a
strong indication of Gus Dur's commitment to eradicate rampant
corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Roni, beverage vendor at Blok M terminal in South Jakarta: It
is a pity that Megawati was defeated again (in the presidential
election). She has been plagued by bad experiences all her life.
She tried her best to become president, but too many people
blocked her way.

However, Gus Dur is OK. What we really need is economic
recovery. I hope our new president can bring it about.

Hasan Syafitri M. Nur, an unemployed man living in Ciganjur,
South Jakarta: For me, whoever is president is OK. What is
important is that he or she has high morals. I hope Gus Dur can
bring a better life to the country.

Amri, shop owner at Tanah Abang market in Central Jakarta: The
election of Gus Dur shows that Indonesia respects human rights
because a blind person can become president. In the United
States, it would be difficult for a African-American to become
president.

What Gus Dur should do soon is get treatment to have his sight
restored because how can he run the government if he even can't
read documents? He then should concentrate on the country's
economic recovery.

Gaos, a security guard at Blok M Mall in South Jakarta:
Whoever (is president) is OK, as long as it is not Habibie.

Tadjus Sobirin, chairman of the Golkar Party's Jakarta
chapter: It's God's will. Gus Dur is the best for our country.
God has chosen him.

At first, I questioned it, is he (Gus Dur) able to lead the
country with his ill health? But after saying my predawn prayer,
I became sure that Gus Dur is the best.

Gus Dur should choose professional, honest and fair ministers.

The President should stay at the presidential palace for
security reasons and time and cost efficiency. It would reduce
traffic jams.

Pantas Nainggolan, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
councilor: I hope Gus Dur's wisdom will enable the country to
avoid disintegration and discrimination in all aspects, such as
ethnic, racial and religious.

Gus Dur creates a sense of security. He is now the best for
the country. He has all the requirements.

There should be no more dichotomy between minorities and the
majority.

Indah Suksmaningsih, chairwoman of the Indonesian Consumers
Foundation (YLKI): I believe that Gus Dur has a sense of people,
meaning that he will listen to people better than former
presidents. And I also see that previously, he worked closely
with NGOs.

We expect that he will try to achieve a balance between the
interests of producers, consumers and the government. In
determining his economic policies, he should not only listen to
producers, but also consumers.

YLKI feels optimistic about Gus Dur's presidency and his
government. I know that he is not well physically, but it does
not mean we have to be pessimistic. We should not judge him by
his physical condition. Personally, I think that his election as
President will also teach people about real life. Life is not
only like a TV series; everyone is not perfect.

Nungki Kusumastuti, anthropologist, dancer and lecturer at the
Jakarta Arts Institute: I see Gus Dur as an intellectual, a good
lobbyist, neutral and trusted by many people. Maybe he is the
only person that still can be trusted to lead this country.

I don't know whether he is capable to perform his difficult
duties as the country's President. No matter who is elected
president will face difficult duties. Gus Dur is not well
physically, but it does not mean he cannot think, right. But he
will really need help from intelligent people, who are honest,
clean and have no connection whatsoever with the previous New
Order regimen.

What he needs to do first is develop people's trust in the
government, something that has been missing all this time. He
should also stick to reform. And once he gains the people's
trust, then he can fix the country's economy.

I also think it is important for him to do something about
people's morality as we also face a crisis of morality. Maybe
these last 32 years we were so busy developing the country we
forgot about the need for good morality.

Noer Madjid, an executive secretary of the Association of
Indonesian Coffee Exporters: Gus Dur has to listen to people's
aspirations. He should restore public confidence, both at the
national and international level.

He is challenged to bridge the various interests of this
heterogeneous country.

The ministerial seats should be filled by credible people with
expertise. It is important because they have to understand the
real conditions and problems and come up with concrete solutions.

Even though Gus Dur has health problems, the Vice President
and a strong Cabinet will enable the continuation of the new
government.

The market has reacted positively toward the presidential and
vice presidential election but the real sector needs stability.

It is important to improve the agricultural sector, such as
the coffee business.

Bagong Kussurdiardja, a noted dancer and painter living in
Yogyakarta: Apart from his physical condition, Gus Dur meets all
the requirements in general to be a president. It looks like
Indonesia is facing a real test ... having a president even
though his physical condition is not perfect. But
psychologically, he is extraordinary.

His physical condition will certainly get in the way as he
performs his activities. Just imagine, the president's daily
activities are really tight. Going to this meeting or that
meeting, and visiting this or that. Think of how complicated it
might become. He cannot even read. He even needs help in giving
his signature.

Personally, I have no problem having a President like him,
especially since he has a strong mental attitude. The problem is
his physical condition.

That's why I hope Gus Dur, in not too long a time, hands over
his duties to his deputy, and hopefully it is Megawati. If his
physical condition is no longer strong, then that is the best
thing he can do.

For his programs, it is better for Gus Dur to place economic
and education problems as his priority. This is important because
education, including education of religion, is related to a
mental well-being. This nation's attitude needs to be improved.
Political problems, for me, are in third place.

Further investigation into alleged corruption practices by
former president Soeharto and his cronies, I think, should also
be solved, and if necessary, be put into priority. This is also
related to a moral issue. Soeharto can be a free man like he is
now because of the poor ethics of the government.

Vistanul Pareira, 26, an artist from Ende, East Nusa Tenggara,
who lives in Yogyakarta: I see Gus Dur as a clever and famous
figure .... I sum him up with one word: confident. Besides,
Muslims are the majority here. As President, but also a kyai
(religious leader/teacher), he will be a charismatic leader.
Remember, one kyai speaks, others will follow.

What he should do first is restore the country's economy. As
an artist, I expect better economic conditions since the price of
paper and canvas is now high.

Gus Dur should also fight corruption. Our country is renowned
for its corruption. Then about Soeharto's prosecution, it will
depend on him, but all people, including myself, hope for
prosecution.

One thing that I take note of is his health. A president
should be physically and mentally healthy. When he read his oath,
he repeated after his aide. He should have his ailments cured
soon to enable him to perform his duties. It means that we, as
tax payers, will pay for his medication.

One more thing. Gus Dur, as seen on TV, used to move his nose,
making his mouth look funny. It shows he is honest, showing the
real him, but since many people see it, it would be better for
him to do something about it.

Jeffrey Runduwali, 19, a student in the School of Theology at
Yogyakarta's Duta Wacana Christian University: My first
impression when Gus Dur was elected was that Indonesians cannot
choose a president. With his poor health he was still elected
president. I think that's evidence that Indonesians could not
find a better leader.

If I was Megawati, I would not run for vice president,
preferring to become the opposition. Gus Dur betrayed her by
running for the presidency.

I feel pessimistic with Gus Dur's election as president, not
hoping for anything, not even economic recovery.

Will he be able to lead the country? He even needed help to
read his oath. I wonder if he was fooled by the people around
him.

Ahmad Baidlowi, 21, a student of Surabaya's State Institute
for Islamic Studies Sunan Ampel: I am so happy that Indonesia
will enter the new millennium led by Abdurrahman Wahid. He is a
habibullah (God's beloved) with a spiritual gift and state
vision. I believe he can solve the economic crisis, gain the
public's trust in this ethical crisis and can assure the nation's
unity and sovereignty.

But I think the most important thing is for Gus Dur to enforce
law, something that Habibie could not do at all. It is important
to enforce law so it can become a strong base to help recover the
country's political and economical condition.

Kartolo, 45, a comedian in Surabaya: I feel so happy with the
election of Gus Dur as President. Personally, Gus Dur with his
new position can either be an 'advantage' or 'disadvantage'
toward my career. I say he will benefit my career because Gus Dur
is a clever comedian himself, while he will disadvantage me
because he will be my strong rival ...

I pray Gus Dur can solve complicated problems within the
community that he has inherited from Soeharto's rule. I feel
surprised that during the reform era, it seems like people
compete to give speeches, hold protests ... Fortunately, Gus Dur
can be accepted by all groups. I am sure he can prevent the
nation from disintegration.

Nukam Yunanto, 35, an export-import businessman: Gus Dur must
be assisted by a strong and credible economic team. Actually, in
a situation like this, no matter who the President is, it will be
no problem as long as he has an economic team that can solve the
crisis.

Just think, there are more people in need of employment while
companies are still terminating their workers. With his populist
attitude, I hope Gus Dur will be able to maintain a responsible
economic policy for people's interests. The reality during
Habibie's rule showed that credit for farmers (KUT) was rife with
manipulation and corruption practices. Gus Dur is the symbol of
ethics and populism. Hopefully, these two things will be the
basis of his policies in economics, politics and foreign
relations, such as in the East Timor case.

Soetoyo Abadi, Golkar Party's secretary in Central Java: Gus
Dur's election should be accepted by all parties and I believe he
is.

His main priority in leading this country is to maintain the
country's unity and sovereignty that is now under serious threat,
and to prevent the possibility of a paternalistic leadership.

His weakness is not to master state administrative knowledge
to lead a big nation like ours. That's why Gus Dur should be able
to carefully select his aides, those who are experts in state
administration and are professional in leading and conducting
duties for the country.

Darmanto Jatman, a cultural observer and lecturer of the
Semarang-based Diponegoro University's School of Communication:
We should all be grateful, respectful and appreciative of him
for winning since Gus Dur deserves to be a leader. Besides, he is
trusted by the people's representatives.

Gus Dur is an example of the community who is facing a
transformation from a rural-agricultural background with a
traditional-charismatic leadership to urban-industrial with a
rational leadership.

But nobody is perfect. For Gus Dur, the most important thing
is that he has a clean intention to lead the country toward a
safe, fair and advanced country.

Marukan, the secretary of Central Java's United Development
Party: Gus Dur's victory should be taken as the best win since he
can be accepted by everyone. Why? Because Gus Dur is an
accommodative, democratic and egalitarian figure. In other words,
he can be accepted by all tribes, groups and religions in the
country.

His main priority is to perform a national reconciliation. It
needs hard work to unite this nation of diverse tribes, groups
and religions. I'm sure Gus Dur can do it.

His weakness is that he sometimes confuses us through his
changing statements and lack of consistency. Sometimes, he easily
gets emotional. That's my impression. Or maybe that's his style,
I don't know.

Candra Wijaya, 24, a national shuttler: I'm proud and feel
relieved. Both Gus Dur and Megawati can absorb people's
aspirations and most importantly, the people trust them. I
believe they both will give their best to the people of
Indonesia. They are the kind of people who want to sacrifice
themselves for their people and their country. I really respect
and appreciate them.

I think the top priority for the new government is they must
put law above everything. Law must serve as the country's
foundation in the future.

I hope Gus Dur and Megawati will be able to improve
Indonesia's tarnished image in and outside the country. I also
hope our differences in tribes, religions and culture will not
bring any more disintegration.

Febi Widhiyanto, 19, a tennis player: It doesn't really matter
to me who is the new president. All I'm concerned about is there
should be no more riots.

However, I hope the new government will be able to overcome
the economic crisis and create a more peaceful situation in the
country.

I think both Gus Dur and Megawati must put their priority on
improving the worsened economic situation and also overcome many
problems in the country.

As for sports development, I hope the new government will be
able to improve athletes performances, maybe by providing more
funding.

Hopefully, as the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar is
decreasing I can compete in more international tournaments and
improve my world ranking.

Faisal Salampesy, chairman of the Maluku Muslim Brotherhood
Movement and a legislator from the Crescent Star faction: With
his formal position, Abdurrahman Wahid can use his talent to
build a bridge between warring groups in Ambon. And I also
sincerely pray to the Almighty God that he will be able to calm
the heated tension in other parts of this country.

Abdurrahman will not find any substantial difficulties in
handling the burdens as head of state, because he was accepted by
all groups and can build a healthy communication among all
groups.

Even with Pak Wiranto (chief of the Indonesian Military and
Minister of Defense and Security), he has a warm and mutual
friendship, unlike other political figures.

All the keys to unify this country have been placed in Gus
Dur's hands, he just needs to use them later.

Particularly with Ambon, Gus Dur told us, the people of Ambon,
that he was deeply concerned and promised to settle the ongoing
disputes on our island.

Nadjamuddin Ramly, chairman of the Muhammadiyah Youth
Movement: Allahu Akbar (God is Almighty). Gus Dur is my father,
the father of all Muslim-based youth organizations. He has led us
wisely and we want this nation also to feel his leadership.

His wide knowledge can bridge differences in the country.

Kwik Kian Gie, executive with the Indonesian Democratic Party
of Struggle (commenting after party chairwoman Megawati's defeat
in the presidential election on Oct. 20.): Gus Dur? He is good.
None of us object that he was elected president. The voting was
fair and many people witnessed the process.

Christiana Gow, private investor: At first, I was
disappointed. Why not Mega? Gus Dur is good too, but I prefer
Mega. But it's fine. What's important is that Mega is also there,
as vice president. We all love her. You know, with love, we have
more passion in our life. And now I am more passionate in my
life.

Physically, Gus Dur is weak, but what's important is that he
has a good mind. He can work with all people and is accepted by
all. Hopefully, Gus Dur can stabilize the country and listen to
the people.

As a member of a minority group, I am happy to have Gus Dur
and Mega as our new leaders. They are fair and treat all people
the same. Hopefully, their subordinates will be the same and
won't discriminate against us.

They should be more firm and uphold the supremacy of law.
Money should not affect the implementation of the law. There
should be no place for corrupt judges.

Carmel Budiardjo, director of Tapol, a London-based Indonesia
human rights organization, reacts positively to the newly elected
President: I used to describe him (Gus Dur) to my friends as a
'secular Moslem'. He is far, far removed from fundamental Islam,
and always for religious reconciliation.

My concern is that he is also known to have maintained a good
relationship with the Armed Forces, especially with Gen. Wiranto.
The post of a minister of defense should be held by a civilian.

I think Gus Dur's idea to have Megawati as his Vice President
is so that he can pass the presidential post to her sometime in
the future.

Reza Muharam of Komite Indonesia - a human rights organization
based in Amsterdam: He (Gus Dur) is 'clean' from corruption,
honest and intellectually capable.

But we still don't know how far his commitment is in pushing
the demilitarization process in Indonesia since the military is
the main problem of human rights violations that has been going
on in the country.

Albertus Alfridijanto, a lawyer working for a French company
in Paris: I don't bloody care who becomes president as long as it
is not Habibie or Wiranto. (team)