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