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)