Political, economic observers ask Gus Dur to step down

JAKARTA (JP): As the National Police and the Attorney General's Office study the report on President Abdurrahman Wahid's alleged involvement in the two financial scandals, calls have mounted that the President step down and allow Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri to take control of the nation.

A group of 17 political and economic observers said on Friday that Abdurrahman's administration is no longer effective, highlighting the negligible level of support it now garners from the House of Representatives and the public.

"The President has lost the House's trust, so he should read the signals wisely and not insist on maintaining his position.

"Although his resignation is necessary, this alone is not a sufficient requirement for completion of the reform agenda," economic researcher Dradjad Wibowo said while reading the group's statement during a media conference held at the Menteng residence of noted economic observer Sjahrir in Central Jakarta.

"Therefore, Megawati should follow up with constitutional measures and be committed to continuing the reform agenda."

Other signatories included political observers Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, Andi Mallarangeng, Dewi Fortuna Anwar, Riswandha Imawan and Fachry Ali, as well as economic observers Didik J. Rachbini, Sri Adiningsih, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Revrisond Baswir and Umar Juoro.

Similarly, Andi Mallarangeng said that Abdurrahman should announce his resignation soon.

"Abdurrahman has lost the political support of the House. The country's political and economic situation is stagnant. It will be too long and too costly if we wait until August (to impeach the President)," Mallarangeng said while referring to the next annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly.

"Although there will be no guarantee that Megawati will succeed Abdurrahman, this is our hope, as her party, which won the 1999 election, controls 34 percent of the seats in the House," he added.

Calls for Megawati to take over the presidency have mounted over recent days after the House issued a memorandum against Abdurrahman over his alleged involvement in the misuse of Rp 35 billion (US$3.6 million) from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) and a $2 million donation from the Sultan of Brunei.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) proposed that the President give full authority to Megawati to lead the administration, while Abdurrahman should only remain as the head of state.

Media reports said that Abdurrahman would take time to consider the proposal due to the tense security situation in the country.

Meanwhile, Sjahrir said the group's statement should be considered a moral appeal for the President to halt the worsening conditions.

"Megawati should quickly form a transitional administration to govern for the next 12 to 18 months. During this period she should prepare a system for direct presidential elections and improve the economic situation," Sjahrir said.

"Then we can speed up the next general election enabling a better government and political system. Abdurrahman can join the next election if he wants to, but in the meantime he should resign," he added. (dja)