Well said, Megawati

Although it is still too early to determine public opinion, Megawati Soekarnoputri's long-awaited policy address, delivered on Thursday at her party's headquarters in Jakarta, is certain to assuage the fears of many of her critics concerning her intentions, personal leanings and capability to serve as this nation's leader.

Breaking a silence that seemed like an eternity to many, the chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) sought to dispel many critics' doubts that, if given the chance to lead the nation after the presidential elections in November, she would, either through political orthodoxy or sheer incapability, effectively stand in the way of progress and democratic reform.

She chose to remain silent, she said, to allow the cacophony of complaints, opinions, political offensives and intrigues to settle -- a stratagem that she said enabled her to listen, sort out the options available and decide on the most appropriate course to take. And listen she apparently did.

To her Muslim critics, Megawati gave the assurance that far from neglecting the interests of the country's Muslim population, which she acknowledged as being the overwhelming majority, a government under her leadership would act to enhance the quality of services related to religious worship, for Muslims and adherents of other faiths alike. As an example, she mentioned the malfeasance prevailing in the haj pilgrimage services, corrupt practices which she pledged to bring to an end.

The military's dual function, which has made it the country's all-powerful force in politics as well as in security and defense, will be phased out, albeit gradually over a period of five to six years. It is in accordance with what is popularly referred to as the "Ciganjur Accord", signed earlier this year by Megawati and three more of the country's most prominent leaders -- Amien Rais, Abdurrahman Wahid and Sultan Hamengkubuwono X of Yogyakarta.

In a convincing sign of her sincerity in resisting any militaristic inclinations in the future, Megawati called on the present transitional administration of President B.J. Habibie to forestall debate in the House of Representatives on a government- sponsored bill on national security, which she said would threaten the observance of human rights and civilian authority over the military.

The investigation of corruption, collusion and nepotism allegedly committed by former president Soeharto would be pursued "though with justice". Indeed, reestablishing the principle of equal justice for all will be a priority of her government's agenda, given that it is one of the preconditions on which the good functioning of practically every other aspect of life, public and private, depends.

A similar readiness to accommodate popular demands can be seen in Megawati's willingness to consider amending the 1945 Constitution, which many critics consider a document that facilitates authoritarian rule, although not its preamble, in which the fundamental unifying state philosophy of Pancasila is contained.

In brief, Megawati's speech, her first since her party's convincing victory in last June's general election, gives every indication not only that our presidential candidate is able and willing to listen to different views, but that she has enough statesmanship to accept the truth when convinced by others.

It is a comforting thought, considering that Megawati controls the fierce loyalty of millions of grassroots Indonesians. What remains to be done is to ensure the support of allies in her upcoming bid for the presidency. One signal that she may be ready to take this step at this stage is her invitation to "all reform- minded parties" to close ranks and work together to build a "new Indonesia".

As president, she would no longer be merely the leader of her own party, but of all political parties and all Indonesians. In general, Megawati's first policy address is a positive contribution toward clearing up the cloud of concern and uncertainty that hovered over the Indonesian political landscape for weeks. Well said, Ibu Mega.