Reformist cause is still swaying

The pendulum of truth will continue swaying until Oct. 20, 1999, when a new president is elected and a new era will begin, the second era of reform and deformation. The choice is at the hands of the people's representatives who are holding a General Session at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) building. But the judges are somewhere else. It began on the streets, but hopefully it will not end on the streets.

If the prime movers of the political reform -- the majority of students and concerned citizens, who supported the removal of the former dictator-in-disguise -- feel that the final democratic act does not meet their expectations and aspirations, the final round may be fought outside the MPR building. After all, the reform revolution has not ended.

The question now is: Do we still have enough unselfish, idealistic "soldiers of conscience" (reformist students) or have they, too, been consumed by greedy materialism? Have the number of cowards, hypocrites and opportunists become larger? The demand to bring the former head of state to justice for abuse of power and corruption cannot possibly be buried in a simple ceremony by the attorney general. The most valuable trump card of the reformist camp just crumbled like a paper tiger. Accepting bribes in an insult to democracy and destroys the aspirations, if not the soul, of the younger generation.

Habibie's latest move to choose a military man, the commander of the Indonesian Military/minister of defense and security, as his running mate only reveals his allegiance to the former regime. With Akbar Tandjung as the House speaker, the former "status quo" team seems to be once again physically complete. The winner of the recent general election, Megawati, has no place in the minds of former Soeharto loyalists or in the new system. What is in the mind of MPR speaker Amien Rais?

If the MPR speaker is a really a reformist and is concerned about the looming in the horizon of the old-style reformist in theory but oppressive and undemocratic in practice, he should do something to avert it. Otherwise he should resign. Hopefully, developments will not turn out that grave. Fortunately, things are still fluid. But any president that holds executive power must have a working majority in the House to effectively pass any legislation. Whether we want it or not, the ultimate judges, when the hour of truth finally strikes and the new president is elected, will lie with the true reformists, especially the students.

It is now more imperative that the people be given the right to elect their president directly, and not through the slow process of the MPR allowing for political manipulation and intrigue, including bribery. Just as imperative is that the executive power and the legislative branch be equally strong and dedicated to the cause of people's welfare. Remember that up to 70 percent of the population has sunk below the poverty line.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta