Speak up, Megawati!

Speak up, Megawati!

An aversion to speaking up and holding dialogs, especially
with intellectuals, is typical of President Megawati
Soekarnoputri's style. She is also known as a person who does not
like criticism.

If she continues to remain silent, speculations that a
terrorist network in Indonesia is planning an attempt to
assassinate her could be taken as fact.

Megawati has been vocal abroad recently while on her state
visit.

Chairman of the Justice Party (PK) Hidayat Nur Wahid has asked
Megawati to speak up, stating that she had not been threatened,
(by al-Qaeda members as reported by foreign media).

Her failure to clarify whether a terrorist network exists (as
alleged by the U.S.) will show that her ignorance has reached an
alarming level.

Rejection of U.S. propaganda by eight organizations would be a
good start to launch a campaign against the U.S. allegations.

The arrest of Indonesian citizens abroad is a very crucial
issue that needs to be dealt with properly.

It is imperative that Megawati -- in her capacity as the
President of the Republic of Indonesia -- take initiative when
the country's sovereignty and the nation's dignity is threatened.

Megawati's silence is surely not golden.

We are worried that the government has been working with the
U.S. to repress Muslims in the country.

-- Republika, Jakarta