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