The Constitution and the presidency

The head of state has once again emphasized that in accordance with the Constitution, the election of a president is entirely in the hands of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), and not the incumbent president's responsibility. The President's renewed statement on the matter is of great significance at a time when speculations are being made with regard to the presidency, pending the 1997 general elections.

As far as we can conclude from the various statements which President Soeharto has made concerning the question, it would seem that it is the duty of every president to create conditions that are conducive to the emergence of candidates for the national leadership.

Have such candidates emerged during President Soeharto's quite extended term in office? If so, the MPR will be able to determine who will be most eligible for the national leadership position. The debate about Indonesia's future leader has been going on for quite some time. However, candidates are difficult to name. It is possible that a candidate or candidates are being prepared, but they remain for the time being hidden in the shadow of President Soeharto's eminent leadership and charisma.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta