Why, Megawati? Why?
A few weeks back, when news was leaked that President Megawati's party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), reportedly had opted to support the reelection of incumbent Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, most people reacted with disbelief. But, as President Megawati then was still on an overseas trip, many expected that upon arrival she would deny the rumor.
After all, Megawati as chairperson of PDI Perjuangan is not known to be an ardent supporter of Sutiyoso and in fact is sometimes very critical of him. During the massive floods in Jakarta in January and February this year, she refused to channel presidential aid through the Jakarta administration for fear it would not reach the flood victims because of the city administration's notoriety for corruption.
People also remember the strained relations between Sutiyoso and PDI Perjuangan. Sutiyoso, as the former chief of the Jakarta Military Command, was implicated in the bloody attack on PDI Perjuangan's headquarters on July 27, 1996 that left a number of people dead. Several are still missing.
In addition, PDI Perjuangan's Jakarta chapter had agreed to nominate its chairman Tarmidi Suhardjo as its candidate for the gubernatorial election, which is scheduled for Sept. 17.
Understandably many were dumbfounded when last Tuesday PDI Perjuangan's central board officially announced its full support for the reelection of Sutiyoso. The central board also instructed the party's city councillors to nominate Sutiyoso, rejecting their party's own candidates. The reason cited for the endorsement was that Sutiyoso is considered capable of providing security during the 2004 General Election and the 2005 General Assembly of the People's Consultative Assembly.
No wonder, people are furious and a chorus of condemnation has sounded against Megawati following the announcement. "Megawati has betrayed the party's wishes", shouted a PDI Perjuangan activist during a rally the other day. "Megawati has killed democracy", an observer commented. "Megawati is practicing the ways of the New Order regime of Soeharto in nominating a military figure for Jakarta governor while citing security reasons", another analyst said.
All in all, most people cannot understand why Megawati has decided to back Sutiyoso. Many question the real reasons behind the endorsement, as most people cannot swallow the official reasons cited. Is Sutiyoso the only figure capable of providing security during the coming elections? Isn't that an insult to the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police whose duty it is to provide security and order? Is there any secret deal between Megawati and Sutiyoso?
It is understandable that people are angry and hurt by Megawati's decision. Most people view PDI Perjuangan as a party that flies the banner of democracy and therefore this decision, that goes against the wishes of the general public is clearly undemocratic. People are afraid that since PDI Perjuangan has 32 councillors (of a total 84 city councillors) Sutiyoso's reelection is almost secured, simply by making a deal with, for example, the United Development Party who has only 12 councillors.
Opposition to Sutiyoso's reelection among the Jakarta people is strong because his track record is poor. During his five-year term, conditions in the capital have worsened. A deteriorating public transportation system, increased pollution, the disintegration of public order and the rise in crime, a decrease in the number of public facilities, an increasing number of student and street brawls, are some examples of Jakarta's problems. In short, the quality of life is deteriorating. The effects of the massive flood which devastated Jakarta in February is a clear example of Sutiyoso's incompetence.
To be fair, Sutiyoso has his own supporters. Some have even staged rallies to defend him. As incumbent governor, naturally he can muster a lot of support.
Frankly, sometimes we cannot comprehend why Megawati, and PDI Perjuangan, seemingly have not learned their lessons from the past. In the last couple of years after winning 32 percent of the votes in the 1999 election, numerous PDI Perjuangan candidates have faced humiliating defeat in the regional elections although they dominate the regional council, apparently because of poor planning, money politics and poor leadership.
PDI Perjuangan should understand that our democracy is becoming more decentralized and participatory. The voters have become more astute and vocal and wish to participate in the decision making process. In other words, the day of authoritarian party leaders is over.
One last word, if a party asks blind loyalty of its members and sympathizers, or takes their loyalty for granted, they could revolt.