Postpone the MPR General Session?

Postpone the MPR General Session?

As unexpected as a thunderclap on a clear day, Indonesian Military (TNI) Deputy Commander Adm. Widodo made headlines yesterday by saying that current conditions were not conducive for holding the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) orderly, peacefully and democratically.

Since it was made before military district and resort commanders from all over Indonesia -- the two spearheads of the Army in the regions -- it can be expected that this resolute statement is certain to attract some spirited criticism. After all, a delay of the General Session is likely to cause existing tensions to escalate rather than subside, and could even hold the potential for new conflict.

With so many scandals already calling for our attention -- particularly the uproar over the Bank Bali case and the chaos in East Timor -- the crisis of confidence in the government is presently at its lowest point and is in urgent need of repair. This would mean that the time schedule for the General Session should be moved forward instead of delayed.

It might be good for us to recall the fears of unrest that preceded our most recent general election. Though trouble was widely expected and unrest prevailed in a few regions -- Ambon, Aceh, Sambas -- the ballot proceeded smoothly and peacefully and was even hailed as the most honest, cleanest and fairest general election in recent Indonesian history.

This is proof that even in the shadow of conflict our people are capable of institutionalizing democracy.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta