The need for reform

It can hardly be denied that the economic crisis is at present undergoing an increasingly distinct metamorphosis toward becoming a political one. In fact, this tendency had been clear ever since the exchange rate of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar exceeded the Rp 4,000 mark some time ago. And it was becoming even clearer these past few days after prices of essential commodities began fluctuating in a manner that defied all reasoning.

What, then, should we do as a nation? Initiate political reform. This is the answer. It is true that the current economic crisis has as yet not totally shattered our political structure. However, to delay political reform means to allow this undermining process to proceed and become truly devastating.

The agenda for political reform that is needed at present is not a complex, intricate or time-consuming one. Our challenge is not to solve many problems, but to solve the basic problem. Therefore, what is needed at this present moment is not a reformation of the party system, or of the legal system, the general election system or a broadening of the platform for political participation, but rather a leadership reform.

Some time ago we could perhaps still talk about policy changes without a change in leadership. At present, however, the need for both is increasingly felt. The second (kind of change) is judged to be even more urgent given its role in generating the first. In the context of such a leadership reformation, what is needed is an ability to give examples, honesty and a firm commitment to serving the interests of the majority of the people, the common citizen.

This kind of figure would be easier to find if the recruitment mechanism for leaders was given a wider social base -- including especially that social base in which the will of the majority of the people is embodied. Therefore, apart from the figure in question, we also need a reformation of the mechanism of recruitment, selection and nomination. The elitist, closed and oligarchic mechanism must be changed into one that is populist and transparent in nature and which embraces the collective will of the public.

-- Republika, Jakarta