Political compromise

Political compromise

From Media Indonesia

President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur as he is familiarly
known, was, as we all know, brought up in a strict Javanese and
Islamic environment, and he certainly comprehends fully their
philosophy, including the words of wisdom, "Don't burn the candle
at both ends."

Considering the present situation and the conditions
prevailing in the country, in accordance with the above teaching
and remembering that nothing in this world is everlasting,
including the position of a president of a country, I should like
to propose that Gus Dur step down from his presidency.

Gus Dur, as a matter of fact, cannot be separated from his
supporters, including those who have declared themselves ready to
die in his defense. Accordingly, I should like to suggest that as
soon as Gus Dur has stepped down, Megawati Soekarnoputri, the
general chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the party that won the most votes in
the last general election, should be elevated to the presidency
and that Mr. Matori Abdul Djalil, the vice chairman of the
National Awakening Party (PKB), whom I believe to be a mature
politician as well as being tolerant, accommodating, cooperative
and acceptable to all, be appointed Vice President. This way, I
am sure, all parties and groups will be happy and accept this as
the best political compromise, one that respects the interests
and ideologies of others and is free from selfishness and
obstinacy.

The next step, I think, is to set up an administration/cabinet
consisting of professional figures of integrity who are capable
of working together with all the high institutions of state
without trying to wield undue influence or being arrogant.
Everyone knows that the people have been waiting for a government
of Indonesia that is credible, based on the rule of law, and
under which the people will live in peace and prosperity.
Believe me, if all sides do not take the necessary action soon to
resolve the crisis this country is facing, I am afraid we will
all be in for even worse difficulties and suffering. Even though
we continue to uphold Pancasila as our common ideology and
philosophy of life, the Indonesian people are clearly not living
under conditions of peace, justice, happiness and security.

MARSONGKO

Bogor, West Java