Worried by 2004 election

Worried by 2004 election

From Kompas

The behavior of politicians and the political scene in Indonesia indeed leave most laymen sad and cautious. The current situation is in contrast to the years following the birth of the republic, when many figures were deeply imbued with nationalism and patriotism.

As a student, I once read a book by one of Indonesia's freedom fighters, Sutan Syahrir, titled Perjuangan Kita (Our Struggle). His statement over 50 years ago, which was republished in 1999, is still relevant. Political parties with masses of uneducated followers and leaders who decide all policies themselves constitute a great danger and may lead to fascism or totalitarianism.

The legacy of feudalism remains strong within Indonesian society, meaning that our people are used to receiving political instructions and relying on the initiatives of their leaders. Therefore, they can easily be organized in a totalitarian way, which is the greatest threat to the national community.

The thought of Sutan Syahrir worries me, as the nation is approaching the campaigning period prior to the general election of 2004. Whither our nation tomorrow?

HADISUDJONO S. Jakarta