What sort of leaders are they?

It is surprising that while Soeharto was overseas and the situation in the country became serious following the deaths of a number of reform heroes, coupled with chaos and turbulence when looting was widespread and vehicles were set on fire, we did not see any signs of leadership by Vice President B.J. Habibie.

It is also surprising that not one cabinet minister expressed condolences over the deaths of the student demonstrators shot by security personnel.

The officials had become used to waiting for guidance from the President. And when the President is not around, they are completely incompetent of doing anything. What sort of leaders are they anyway?

MRS. SARASWATI BARKAH

Jakarta