Who supports Megawati?

Some press reports have recently attracted my attention, "The people want Megawati as president. The main target at the House of Representatives (DPR) is to make Megawati president." "Whatever happens, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) must see to it that Megawati becomes president in accordance with the people's message and the decision of the fifth congress in Bali in 1998. There is no bargaining in this matter. The target cannot be negotiated."

The following questions arise. "What people?" The people who voted for PDI Perjuangan? The people constituting the floating mass? The marhaen people? The Indonesian people under the poverty line, numbering 49.5 million at the end of 1998? Or is it the intention of speaking on behalf of the whole population of 206,781,904 people?

Considering the meaning of the word "people" above and the admission that the victory in the general election is not absolute, it is estimated there are only 38,089,077 such people. A smaller number than the total poor people referred to above. Compared to the entire population it is only 18.42 percent. Even with 200 seats the fight will be extra tough at the coming General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). TVRI often states, "The president is an indigenous Indonesian. The president and the vice president are elected by the MPR by a majority vote" (Article 6, No. 1 and 2 of the 1945 Constitution). This article did not function for more than 30 years. The New Order culture of a candidate without alternative is the result of a lot of engineering.

If the number of seats at the next MPR is 700, the strength of the votes in the General Session is only 28.57 percent (200 seats). PDI Perjuangan voters like those in the floating mass should really understand the rules. Also, the fanatics who made their pledge with blood. It is advisable to anticipate in this early stage that a number of great hopes will not be fulfilled. The best choice is to be wise, patient and to show restraint. Fanaticism is a human right but it should not sacrifice the struggle for life with regard to family, parents, relatives, friends, neighbors, work colleagues and other people. Unity and cohesion of the nation should be considered.

SUNGKOWO SOKAWERA

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