Renewal of spirit
I am not in favor of, or against any group or political party. Please read my words; I am in favor of renewal of spirit in every field, if that is possible. Statesmen with vision should see every development in an historical perspective.
To historians, the reform movement which led to the downfall of Soeharto is seen as process of renewal in democratic spirit from a so-called Pancasila democracy to a transparent democracy. Regrettably, most of our leaders show little in terms of spiritual renewal. Instead, they are thinking of how to set up a monument for themselves.
The success of a national leader can no longer be measured by the duration of a stay in power. Soeharto stayed in power for more than 30 years but what we see around us now shows little, if any, in terms of national spiritual renewal. Even materialistically, it was the influential, the rich and the privileged who got the benefit, not the most needy population.
Now we have a crisis involving the executive power and the Central National Election Committee (KPU), which actually represents the people's sovereignty in transition. The ministers, while still retaining their executive power, are actually in a state of demission. In other democracies, Cabinet ministers would not be barred from joining their parties' election bandwagon but their government would have tendered its resignation.
It is perhaps a greedy trait left over from Soeharto's regime why they want to retain power while enjoying political influence. Are there no more noble values but winning while your own group has been full of blemishes?
President Habibie has now even been blackmailed. He either consents to his ministers joining the campaign activities or the state secretary will resign his post, thus creating a Cabinet crisis situation.
The matter has been referred to the Supreme Court, which, indeed, judicially may have the right to decide. However, this is a case for the sovereign (let us say in transition) people; in this case, the KPU members to decide.
Spiritual renewal? Well, even though there is no sign of reformist renewal! The release of political detainees seems to have been imposed from outside.
Some people suggest that KPU members should also be barred from campaigning. In that case, it would be tantamount to barring representatives of the people on which the sovereignty rests -- not on the executive branch and mostly remains of the New Order administration -- from the election process.
The situation is confusing and irritating; or just tragically clownish? It seems that the cries of hungry people, complaints of laid-off workers, fleeing mothers and their children, tribal clashes or demands for greater autonomy of self-rule do not reach the ears of those -- not all -- ambitious to become the next president of the country.
Forget judging matters from the historical perspective. Forget also reformist ideas and ideals. Forget renewal of spirit!
GANDHI SUKARDI
Jakarta