Political tension could heighten
Unrest and uncertainty have been spreading through Indonesia at an alarming rate in recent months. Azyumardi Azra, who is professor of history and rector of the Syarif Hidayatullah State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) in Jakarta, warns the situation could get worse in the coming months.
JAKARTA (JP): Increasing resentment, especially among those who question the legitimacy of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and President B.J. Habibie, are likely to heighten political tension in the country in the run-up to the general election in June 1999.
To date, Indonesia's experience of political successions has been painful and blood-stained. If our leaders fail to reflect upon this fact, history could once again repeat itself within the next six months, when a new government and president is expected to be installed.
The violence that preceded the fall of Soeharto was a repetition of the events that finally led to the deposition of his predecessor, Sukarno, in 1966.
But so far, Indonesians have failed to learn from history. The political euphoria during the period of liberal democracy in the early days of independence created deep divisions in society which Sukarno then exploited to tighten his grip on power.
History may again be about to repeat itself. The political limbo into which the nation has fallen could open the door to yet another strongman. If that was to happen, it would be a crucial setback to efforts to bring about greater democracy here.
There is already a lot of evidence to suggest that the very fabric of Indonesian society is now under serious threat. Political leaders are occupied in bitter wars of words. Numerous new political parties have been formed to compete against the old political parties that are increasingly lacking credibility.
There is little evidence that the new parties are taking their responsibilities seriously, with the majority yet to propose any clear ideas and programs to tackle the economic crisis and begin building a genuine democratic system. Instead they waste their energy fighting for the attentions of the masses and have divided the country as a result.
Division in society are becoming increasingly apparent, with religious and ethnic tensions becoming more pronounced. The Ketapang riots in Jakarta on Nov. 22 and the Kupang riots in East Nusa Tenggara at the end of November provided ample evidence of this.
In these two latest cases, religious and ethnic tensions escalated to a very dangerous level. Of course, it is a gross simplification to conclude that religion is the genuine reason for these riots because the motives behind them are very complex. Economic and political deprivation in certain strata of society, combined with an apparent decline in the authority of the government and the military have contributed to the general state of disorientation among the masses that can burst into violence and anarchy at any time.
In addition to that, retired army generals and former high ranking officials are trading dirty words with serving Cabinet ministers and Armed Forces (ABRI) commanders. Some retired generals are also very active in government opposition groups, particularly the National Front.
ABRI, which used to be regarded by many as having the "best organization" in Indonesia, seems to be in an internal state of disarray. The criticism directed toward the Armed Forces in recent months is unprecedented in Indonesian history. The military is under heavy pressure to abandon its role in politics and student protesters are calling persistently for ABRI Commander Gen. Wiranto to resign.
However, it is evident that the student movement for reform is itself becoming entangled in crisis. They are split, with some reluctantly accepting the results of the recent Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly and others continuing to stage antigovernment protests, much to the ire of motorists in Jakarta.
Until now, it has been taken for granted that the student movement is a moral force. But looking at recent developments, it appears that some students have lost their moral right to lead the nation toward a better future.
Criminal elements in society are taking advantage of the general state of lawlessness and crime is on the rise. Gangs have been robbing motorists at busy intersections in the city and on certain stretches of the capital's peripheral toll roads. Crime is also on the rise in rural areas and nowhere in Indonesia can currently be considered really safe.
It is time for all those who want a better future for this nation to take some time to reflect. If we were brave enough to pull the carpet from under Soeharto's feet, we should also be courageous enough to examine ourselves and our own souls.