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