Stormy weather will come

On Nov. 10 a national event, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Special Session, will take place. It is the people's hope that this very important event will run smoothly and safely. After the session, a general election is scheduled for May, 1999. Campaigning is usually done before the general election. I am worried about the campaigning when considering campaigns of the past. If formerly there were only three parties contesting, now there will be several dozen. What loud commotion, or perhaps frightening situation there will be in this country.

It reminds me of a description by Prof. Umar Kayam, a former professor at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, in his legendary book Mangan ora mangan kumpul (Stick together through thick and thin). An extract from the book reads: "The campaign for the general election came and went like a storm in this city. At one time it blew fiercely with the tail of a green cyclone, then a yellow whirlwind, then again a red hurricane. Each long colored horrifying tail emitted a clamorous, rumbling sound like thunder that refuses to stop."

We all know the consequences of such storms and hurricanes. What if, instead of three contesting parties in the next campaign, there are dozens of storms and hurricanes? We can imagine the tumultuous situation.

All participating sides should be wiser now, after the experiences of past campaigns.

SUGENG HARTONO

Jakarta