Political tension could heighten

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.