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