The quiet president

Although we usually appreciate the maxim that silence is golden, alas, that time-honored rule does not apply to President Megawati Soekarnoputri these days. As a matter of fact, the Indonesian public is yearning to hear directly from its leader some reassuring words to help it make sense of the whirlwind of recent events.

In the meantime, what we were concerned about seems to be happening already, namely that Megawati is being criticized by prominent individuals and groups in the Islamic community. The deputy secretary-general of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Yahya Staquf, stated that Megawati had never consulted with the people, especially the Islamic community, which constitutes the majority, before stating her government's position with regard to the U.S. attack on Afghanistan.

"The Islamic community in Indonesia does not feel represented by Megawati," Staquf, who was president Abdurrahman Wahid's spokesman, said. On Thursday, about 2,000 followers of Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia demonstrated in front of Merdeka Palace after protesting in front of the U.S. Embassy. They shouted that Megawati should join them in their jihad against the U.S.

Of course, statements and actions such as these do not reflect the position of the majority of the Islamic community. But in many cases it is the perceived impression that is the determining factor. Since the Megawati-Hamzah Haz government is supposed to be a coalition of nationalists and centrist political Islamic elements, any impression that the teamwork is beginning to show rifts does not augur well for Indonesia's image.

That is why it is all the more urgent that President Megawati address the nation directly, stating the importance of preserving national unity. She should also stress that although public expressions of particular political viewpoints are acceptable, fanning religious emotions and threatening foreigners who live in our midst run counter to Indonesia's national interests.

We are convinced that President Megawati has the ability to reach out to the people, but we are at a loss as to why she is choosing to remain silent at such a critical time.