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