The magnificent five
According to the government's agenda, its time spans from the on-going Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to the MPR General Session in December 1999. In between, is the general election milestone, to be held in May 1999, which cuts this time span in two, making each half a period of about six months.
Having seen the government's achievements in reform during the six-month period from May 21, 1998, to today, it is questionable whether the government, without substantial change to its agenda, could achieve better results in the coming two 6-month periods.
Compared to the just-past six-month period, a more tense situation could arise in the next two periods. For example, a settlement of the Indonesian Democratic Party's name, and the legitimacy process of new parties might consume unpredictable amounts of time. Moreover, a coalition process of parties having similar platforms, and the campaign period for so many parties would be completely new issues; not knowing yet as to how this would take form, where and at what time.
Now, we have all just learned that without a doubt, Abdurrahman Wahid, Amien Rais, Hamengkubuwono X and Megawati Soekarnoputri are the most publicly accepted figures among reformists. They have shown leadership and consistency in representing most of the people's aspirations. Regardless of their individual interest to run for president, in my belief, they are all of a mature readiness to compete democratically.
While there has been no clear plan made public concerning the current vice presidency vacancy, it is my understanding that, as a structural position of either a state or an organization -- as long as it is legally administered -- it shall not be left empty. I think, it is a position universally accepted to function as a backup system in response to nature or an act of God, unless we are in such an emergency situation and under national consensus to live temporarily with a second-level substitute.
As this is a constitutional requirement, it should not be subject to preference, as by a people or a regime who, once upon a time, got a chance to run the system.
Compiling all the above, in the spirit of total reform and from the idea to effectively and efficiently utilizing resources and constraints mentioned above, and to save the people's time, money, energy, lives and national unity, I would humbly like to appeal to those who are presently in positions to make or break the country to think on the "Plan B" contingency below:
1. The MPR to install the four reformists mentioned above as co- vice presidents.
2. Extend the MPR Special Session to accommodate the arrangement above.
Of course, absolutely all associated details must be worked out properly during the required extended session. In return, implementation of the plan would present the most powerful synergy from all Indonesians, both inside and outside the system, in the form of presidential team comprising B.J. Habibie as president with Abdurrahman Wahid, Amien Rais, Hamengkubuwono X and Megawati Soekarnoputri in the vice president team.
I believe that this team of magnificent five would be of the right capacity to lead the nation to peacefully track the agenda in full confidence, counting down the days toward a successful general election in May 1999, and MPR General Session in December 1999.
ATTILA RAHAYOE
Bekasi, West Java