RI lacks national discipline: Megawati
The Jakarta Post, Seoul
On Sunday, President Megawati Soekaroputri lamented the harsh noise of democracy prevailing at home by saying that, compared with the national discipline and dedication she saw in visits to China and the two Koreas, Indonesians should feel ashamed.
Megawati's week-long tour of China, and both North and South Korea has apparently left a deep impression on the president, which led her to ponder the current state of the nation.
"In any field without national discipline nothing can run smoothly," she said in a meeting with the Indonesian community in South Korea at the Embassy compound during the last night of her stay in Seoul.
Despite venturing little outside Pyongyang, or breaking away from official ceremonies during her two-day stay in North Korea, the president was quick to say that "despite the troubles they face as a nation, have immense national discipline, and dedication."
Completely overlooking the political nature of the regimes in these countries, she also pointed to China which, despite its population of 1.2 billion, has succeeded in neatly organizing itself due to these virtues.
More than just praise for these countries, her remarks seemed a lament at what she apparently perceived as democracy. While many in Indonesia have equated it with freedom of expression, she hinted that it had gone awry.
Political aspirations, according to the president, have been expressed via ethical considerations full of slander and scorn.
Discipline and commitment, in Megawati's mind, included pride in nationhood, and its courteous manner. "But now everything is scorned," she said.
She blasted those whom she believed had unfairly criticized her government, saying that her administration had become nothing more than a trash can for those seeking a target for past sins.
"We've only just begun and haven't had a chance to do anything yet, and already we're condemned ... How do you expect to catch up to other nations this way?" Megawati asked, referring to her administration.
Often criticized for being too docile, Megawati also took a swipe at those who would misjudge her character. "I'm criticized for many things, being too laid-back (klewar-klewer). But inside, I'm actually hard as a rock."
The president also suggested that maybe it would be a good idea to review the number of political parties due to contest the coming election, since no less than 162 have registered.
"But then again, that's democracy," she said.
She stressed the need for the nation to reach a common goal to rejuvenate and organize using fundamental values.
"It is how to develop into a modern state, while retaining populist values, she said. "We need to improve our image."
It is difficult to attract investors, she noted, if they perceive that the country is in chaos.
Earlier, Megawati also visited Panmunjom village near the demilitarized zone on the border between North and South Korea.
During her visit to Pyongyang, Megawati nudged North Korean leaders to resume dialogue with the South. The proposal, she said, was well-received.
On Sunday, she also visited the Samsung Electronics Company factory near Suwon, some 50 kilometers south of Seoul. It is reportedly the world's largest memory chip producer.
Economics also played an important part in Megawati's visit to South Korea, which is Indonesia's eighth-largest investor, with total investments worth US$10 billion.
There are some 600 South Korean companies in Indonesia, employing more than 500,000 Indonesians.