Presidential

Presidential succession

In 1997, the Indonesian people will face two important events: a presidential succession and a general election. The people will vote for members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR); then the two institutions will elect a president and a vice president for the 1998-2003 period.

Those events will be a benchmark of the New Order's success in establishing a solid political system. Do both parties -- the people and the government -- have an identical perception of democracy yet?

Having discussed succession since the beginning of this year, I think we are in the process of disentangling our feudal heritage in a gradual manner, and working towards democracy.

Succession, indeed, is a sensitive issue because if we do not manage it well, it will become a source of discord in this nation with hundreds of different tribes, languages and ethnic groups as well as many religions.

Indonesia has maintained its freedom for almost 50 years. It is about time for the people and government to be mature in their relationship and to have a similar interpretation of the state ideology Pancasila and the Constitution. We all should learn to set aside our vested interests for the sake of our country and nation.

In this era of openness, all parties -- the people, the government and the three political parties -- must uphold political ethics and stop all kind of malpractice, such as collusion between businessmen, government officials and political parties.

It is important for the Armed Forces (ABRI) to play its role as a neutral mediator, with its primary concern being protecting the interests of the people.

If we overlook these factors, an explosion of public anger and frustration could destroy everything we have developed for years in this country. And, indeed, this is very dangerous for the unity and stability of Indonesia.

ADRI ISTAMBUL LINGGA GAYO

Cikeruh, West Java