Rectors urge united effort to solve crisis
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)