Rectors urge united effort to solve crisis
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Rectors of universities from across the country urged the nation in a meeting here on Thursday to collectively lift Indonesia out of its crisis without becoming too dependent on the conduct of its political leaders.
In a declaration issued at the end of the fifth Rector's Forum, they said it was naive to think that the solution to the multidimensional crisis rested on four national figures -- President Abdurrahman Wahid, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais and House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung.
The five-point declaration, read by Hassanudin University rector Radi A. Gany, called on political leaders to actively engage in dialog, not only among themselves but also with all sectors of the nation to find a solution to the protracted crisis.
"The Rector's Forum realizes that if this is not overcome together then it could pose serious risks," Radi said reading the declaration.
Many analysts perceive that the political friction between the four figures has contributed to the prevailing political anxiety which in turned has aggravated the economic crisis Indonesia has yet to recover from.
When asked by journalists here on Thursday if the forum believed that a wider dialog involving more than the four noted political leaders could be effective, Rida said that it was all up to the political will of the four in question.
"It totally depends on how committed they are. What's important is that the forum wants people to recognize that we are at a very critical point," he replied.
According to Rida an expanded dialog should include, among others governors, academics and intellectuals.
"The Forum itself would, in a critical, corrective and constructive manner continue to provide suggestions and inputs toward overcoming the nation's problems."
Touching on the question of a possible special Assembly session which could impeach the President, Rida remarked that whatever the outcome it should not be a short term shortcut solution.
He further stressed that any change in the national leadership should also be pursued through constitutional means.
"The forum does believe that these political issues must be resolved soon. However the process used should uphold the constitution."
Before the close of the Rector's Forum meeting a group of students from the Makassar State University's Student Executive Board held a rally in front of the meeting venue to warn the forum against being trapped in engaging in partisan politics.
The students in a public oration rebuked the forum for wasting money by transforming the group into a new political force.
Radi who later met student representatives pledged that the forum would not be exploited as a political tool.
"Basically we believe that the forum has no particular individual political interest. Even if there is a political statement, it is only an expression of our concern over recent developments in the country," Radi said.(27)