Why Megawati deserves another term

Ray Anthony Gerungan, Former Head, Equities Research for UBS Warburg Indonesia, Jakarta

If real acheivements were rewarded with deserved gratitude, then a proper "thank you" to President Megawati Soekarnoputri should be a second term in office. Unfortunately, Indonesia has been known to define its own interpretation of justice and thus the merits of Megawati's widespread achievements may be left unappreciated -- or at the very least, unrewarded.

It is a given that politicking will rule on Election Day and an unqualified person (or persons) may find himself with a high- ranking government position. Similarly, a highly competent person may be looking for private sector employment come October 2004.

What is not a given is the magnitude of the imminent political horsetrading, which we fear might influence the choice of the next president.

A does not go by without numerous newspaper reports or television interviews discussing the perceived numerous shortcomings of Megawati's administration ranging from alleged corruption to treacherously neglecting the reform movement.

Given the veracity of the reports and the disinclination to view multiple sides of an issue, it would seem that a little more than political badgering is too often involved. That said, I would readily grant merit to the basis of these complaints, but I would not forget the overriding issues that unfortunately required a higher level of priority, namely the economy and domestic security.

On both fronts, I would commend our President for a job well done, and the great majority of governments, multilateral organizations and pundits the world over would join me in my praise for the work Megawati has done for Indonesia.

But the adulation our President receives overseas is somewhat removed from the content of domestic news agencies -- not necessarily right or wrong, its just a fact of life today. I do not believe I would stray too far from the truth if I were to speculate that if our presidential election were held today by solely foreigners residing overseas, Megawati would win in a landslide.

It should also not be understated as to how the President handled the economic crisis. Three other presidents had the task to take Indonesia out of economic crisis and failed to improve the country. Indonesia may be still have a weaker economy vis-a- vis mid-1997, but it is now in a much more stable position since the crisis started with a distinctly higher probability for continued improvement.

For example, how long has it been since anyone could actually look at the rupiah versus the US dollar and say that Indonesia's currency has been the better and more consistent performer over the past two years? Two years?! And the outlook is still good. Interestingly enough, this is about the same amount of time that Megawati has been in power.

Her approach to domestic security and terrorism is equally adept -- especially given the passionate level of personal beliefs each Indonesian holds in regard to this issue.

Within two months of her presidency, Megawati was engulfed in a New World Order regarding international terrorism and forced to lead the nation with the world's largest Muslim population to an acceptance of that order. Again, two years after the fact, Indonesia has not disintegrated into warring factions, has not fallen to a Taliban-style government and, most importantly, Indonesia still treasures its open society of tolerance for all religions. As a Christian living in Jakarta, I am a living testament to that fact.

Is this all due to the leadership of Megawati? Certainly, much of the credit goes to the resilience and personal character of all Indonesians, but Megawati certainly managed the country well and made the proper decisions at a time of great difficulty. History may judge her more affectionately than Indonesians do today.

It would be great for Indonesia's next president to continue improving the economy, ensuring domestic security, creating jobs and encouraging higher levels of justice and fair play throughout the land. There must be somebody out there other than Megawati that can do the above, but up to now (around nine months before the presidential election), he/she has yet to show the public that they can do the job and, more importantly, how they will do it.

Until then, I will lend my support to someone who has already done the job for Indonesia over these past two years and hope that politics does not rule next year, just Megawati.