Why, Megawati? Why?
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.