We are in an era of a leadership crisis and Indonesian people have to take the matter seriously. The next election in 2014 is three-and-a-half years away, but it will come very soon. According to the constitution, incumbent President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) is not allowed to join the race in 2014 because he has held the position for two terms.
These days we are surrounded by news about presidential candidates who will likely participate in the 2014 presidential election, however, none of those figures are convincing enough. The Democratic Party (PD) has no ideal figures, but first lady Kristiani Herawati Yudhoyono has been mentioned many times as a potential candidate. If she’s ready to take the opportunity, she will follow the track of Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former US first lady who failed to secure presidential nomination from the Democratic Party after being defeated by Barack Obama. If Clinton’s political skills were sharpened while she was senator of New York from 2001 to 2009 after her husband left office, Kristiani has proven nothing except for being the first lady.
The Golkar Party will surely nominate their chairman, Aburizal Bakrie, but many issues surrounding him may hinder his run, including the Lapindo mudflow disaster in Sidoarjo and tax evasion allegations involving several firms owned by his family.
The Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has no candidate other than Megawati Soekarnoputri herself, but people are not likely interested in her anymore due to the “immature demeanor” she has consistently shown toward SBY. The PDI-P may propose Puan Maharani, Megawati’s daughter, but she is too young and still categorized a political new comer.
The National Mandate Party (PAN) obviously has own candidate in Coordinating Minister for the Economy Hatta Rajasa, but unfortunately his figure lacks charisma. We have to be honest in acknowledging that Indonesian people love charismatic leaders.
The Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) has announced intentions to nominate Lt. Gen. (ret.) Prabowo Subianto, but he may stumble over his connection to the late Soeharto’s family. He was discharged by the Military Honorary Council on Aug. 24, 1998 for his role in the abduction of political activists when he served as commander of the Army’s Special Forces (Kopassus) between 1995 and 1998. I think people are still traumatized by the dark history.
Now all Indonesian people have to think about seeking alternative figures. The 2014 legislative election will likely still be dominated by the three major parties, i.e. Democratic Party, Golkar Party and PDI-P.
Unless we find a breakthrough to discover competent alternative figures, the selection of our next leaders will be limited to very few names.
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Serpong, January 13, 2011.
Titus J.
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