Support for Gus Dur as president
Support for Gus Dur as president
From Sinar Pagi
I fully agree the decision of the National Awakening Party
(PKB) to nominate Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) as candidate for
Indonesia's fourth president. In my opinion Gus Dur has certain
advantages over other community figures. I believe there are at
least nine such advantages.
First, Gus Dur is on good terms with Armed Forces Commander
Gen. Wiranto. This means he is the only civilian community figure
acceptable to the military to be the next president.
Second, he is close to various quarters: the opposition camp
(Amien Rais, the National Front, Megawati, etc.), military
officials/the Armed Forces and present and former government
officials.
Third, he is not emotional. His response to the Banyuwangi
case was unemotional. Although many religious leaders from
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) were massacred by so-called ninjas, he has
never lashed out emotionally at security apparatuses for their
failure in dealing with this case.
Fourth, he always takes care not to offend other people. When
mentioning the alleged mastermind of the Banyuwangi case, for
example, he simply gave the initial ES, not the full name.
Fifth, he can read the signs of the time. Gus Dur is close to
Wiranto, Megawati and Amien Rais, the three people that seemly
stand a good chance to be a president. So, whichever of them
becomes the next president does not pose quite a problem to Gus
Dur.
Sixth, he easily forgives people and hates condemning others.
Never once has he made a statement to the effect that Soeharto
and his cronies should be brought to court for the sins they
allegedly committed during the New Order era.
Seventh, he is a man with great patience so that he can allow
the Armed Forces another six years to enjoy its dual-function
role.
Eighth, he is used to receiving domestic and foreign guests.
Ninth, he has access abroad. Remember, a few years ago he
visited Israel and suggested that Indonesia and Israel resume
diplomatic relations.
KURNIADI
Bekasi, West Java