RI needs leader with vision

RI needs leader with vision

From Suara Karya

While awaiting the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) scheduled for Aug. 1, 2001, it is worthwhile examining the political history of Indonesia. Since the leadership of the first president, Sukarno, to the present leadership of President Abdurrahman Wahid, the people's aspiration to be a just and prosperous nation based on the state philosophy, Pancasila, has never been fulfilled.

People's democracy with a multiparty system applied during Sukarno's leadership increased political tension instead of the nation's standard of living. Soeharto's New Order regime eased political tension, but it was an authoritarian government, therefore the democratic system did not work.

The transition from the authoritarian New Order regime to the reform period occurred during Habibie's leadership with its short-lived Cabinet. And the present Cabinet, which was expected to lead the nation out of the crisis, has only deepened the problems. Today, there is even the threat of national disintegration.

I suggest legislatures in the MPR and the House of Representatives do not repeat their mistake by electing the wrong national leader. The nation needs a leader who can wisely combine the mission and vision of his/her predecessors, establish a democratic government and implement the reform agenda for the sake of the nation.

JOJOK SUBANGUN

Jakarta