Reformist cause is still swaying

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