Spectacle of presidential hopefuls

Spectacle of presidential hopefuls

From Rakyat Merdeka

I would like the attention of all sides related to the
presidential hopefuls debates. The debates have become trendy and
a business commodity.

The format for the debates is unclear. The debates have a
slipshod presentation, and the presidential hopefuls have become
mere spectacles.

I believe that: 1. Debates among presidential hopefuls before
the general election are only suitable if the president is
elected directly and not through representation. In our country,
as long as the laws remain unchanged, debates among presidential
hopefuls should be held after the general election and before the
General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (with the
format for the debate to be made by the assembly resulting from
the general election).

2. Because political party members and sympathizers in our
country are for the most part paternalistic in attitude, debates
before the general election sharpen the fanaticism of political
party supporters. This fanaticism could trigger violence between
party supporters.

3. Therefore, I propose we postpone the debates among
presidential hopefuls. (Have pity on the presidential hopeful who
behaves arrogantly during the debate, looking down on his
opponents, and who ends up with no more supporters than can fit
on a small bus).

4. I am very sad to know that the younger generation conducts
activities which can be described as "east-west-north-south
culture". I pray that Megawati Soekarnoputri is not carried away
by the current of debates before the general election. But after
the election and when the potential of her party, the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle, is known by the number of votes
obtained, Megawati will be obliged to join in the debates.

5. On Pak Habibie's participation in the scheduled debating
program, I would like to know whether Habibie will be on leave or
will have retired from the presidency in order to join in the
program? If the President joins a debate as a presidential
hopeful, is it justified from the aspect of constitutional law?
If he is involved in a debate of presidential hopefuls, I
conclude that during all this time he has not felt he is the
President.

KARTO PURBIANTO

Jakarta