The end of Golkar's domination?

The end of Golkar's domination?

So far it has never been clear whether Golkar is a ruling
party or a party for the rulers. The new law on political parties
that is to come into being must make it very clear what it means
for a political party to win a general election. Golkar, which
under the New Order regime (of former president Soeharto) won
every general election that has been held, served as nothing more
than a vote getter.

Golkar, the winner, was a mere spectator in the game of state
management and power application -- a role no different from
those apportioned to the United Development Party and the
Indonesian Democratic Party, who lost all elections. The general
chairman of Golkar was not allowed to declare himself a candidate
for so much as the country's vice presidency.

With such a situation still prevailing, the next general
election may be held earlier, or later, than initially scheduled.
Golkar is at present in critical condition. The people's trust in
Golkar has reached its lowest point. It could easily be overrun
by the new and more genuinely responsive political parties that
are about to emerge.

Because Golkar is perceived as being a part of the falsehoods
of the recent past, it had better prepare itself to accept the
people's verdict in the planned general election. It can
practically be said for certain that Golkar will emerge battered.
And all this goes even more for the two other existing parties
who have so far faithfully accompanied Golkar in bearing up the
falsehoods.

Although the planned general election is still some distance
away, it would not be premature even at this stage to bid Golkar
farewell and welcome the new parties.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta