Presidential hopefuls' debate breaks new ground

JAKARTA (JP): A new tradition in Indonesian politics was ushered in on Tuesday when four presidential hopefuls discussed their vision and parties' platforms in a public debate.

In a break from the usual political forums, there were no political party banners, flags or party colors, all expressly prohibited by the organizer, the University of Indonesia's Salemba Forum.

Over 2,000 enthusiasts, mostly students, watched the three- hour event, which was conducted in the loosely structured style of a TV talk show. Most of the people followed it on closed- circuit television and via loudspeakers, but about 500 endured suffocating humidity in the packed UI student senate hall for a direct view of the debate.

Featured were Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Yusril Ihza Mahendra of the Crescent Star Party (PBB), Sri Bintang Pamungkas of the Indonesia Democratic Union Party (PUDI) and Didin Hafiduddhin of the Justice Party (PK).

Golkar's presidential hopeful Akbar Tandjung and Megawati Soekarnoputri from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) also were invited but did not appear. Another no-show was the jailed presidential hopeful of the Democratic People's Party, Budiman Sudjatmiko.

A panel of UI lecturers acted as moderator -- political experts Eep Saefulloh Fatah and Imam B. Prasodjo of the School of Social and Political Sciences, and criminal law expert Harkristuti Harkrisnowo of the School of Law.

The debate was divided into four sections. Participants made opening statements on why they deserved to be elected president, answered questions from the moderators, fielded questions from other hopefuls and took questions from the audience.

All of the participants concurred in their opening statements that the country needed institutional development to address its present predicament, marked by dire poverty enveloping millions.

"Total reform which includes the abolishment of totalitarianism, centralism and militarism must be carried out," Bintang said. He added that he and his followers campaigned for the cause long before the reform movement took hold last year.

Yusril also argued for a total system overhaul.

"In the future, the country's fate must no longer be left to the president alone."

Reading his statement, Didin said the reform campaign also should take into account religious values.

On qualities of a presidential figure, he said the country did not require an all-knowing leader because it would foster the dependency of subordinates.

"Ministers will always come to ask for instructions if the president is such a person," Didin said.

Amien, who arrived late for the debate, said his "clean past record" and joining students at the vanguard of the reform movement made him a fitting leader.

"God willing, if I win, I will embrace all parties to make progress together," he said.

Eep skewered Amien for his late arrival, asking him if he would be tardy for an important Cabinet meeting if he became president.

"OK, we are even now," an apologetic Amien said.

Eep also questioned why Amien failed to criticize the feudalism of the Yogyakarta sultanate, his hometown, despite being a longtime foe of the same practices of the New Order government.

Amien said: "That's because I knew I had to start from the national level but, on the lower level, let's all whack them together."

Asked by Eep about his superior qualities compared to other candidates, Didin modestly deferred to his fellow participants.

"They are gifted people, I must learn a lot from them," he responded, to the applause of the audience.

Other issues raised by the moderators ranged from everyday problems, such as whether smoking should be banned and traffic problems in Bogor, to troubled East Timor.

Didin and Yusril, who head Islamic-oriented parties, also were asked what their stance would be toward the minority Christian population and Chinese-Indonesians.

They replied that Islam accommodated the rights of the minority.

The section when participants shot volleys of questions at each other became heated when Amien and Yusril accused each other of "arrogance".

Didin scored more points with the audience by interceding and reminding the men they were friends, not foes.

Before the debate winded up with participants shaking hands, the four were united in calling for more debates to be held on campuses nationwide. (edt/aan)