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