Out of chaos...

Megawati Sukarnoputri is sworn in as Indonesia's new Vice President.

Thursday, October 14, 1999--HONG KONG (APJ/www.gelken.com)--It could be a good start for the emerging democracy in Indonesia. Two key civic leaders are now installed in the presidential and vice-presidential palaces. They've worked together before and were former allies. Though, as always, I have to play the devil's advocate and air my reservations about the characters involved and the way the 'cliff-hanger' election was conducted. There can be little doubt about the open manner in which the voting was carried out - in fact, it was a little too open. I got the impression that the parliament was trying too hard to demonstrate its transition to full democracy. It was what went on behind the scenes that really catches my interest. What the party whips were whispering in the ears of their members.

Trying to keep up with the chaotic nominate, withdrawal, nominate, withdrawal and nominatation of candidates for the presidency and vice-presidency was enough to drive any broadcast news editor to drink. It was chaotic for us - but I have my doubts that it was quite so chaotic for the powers behind the scenes in Jakarta. What deals were done, I wonder, to ensure the outcome of the elections. The failure of Golkar to field candidates with the potential to split votes and turn the process into a real competition cannot go unremarked. What price?

It was quite obvious that Indonesia wasn't ready for a woman to take the top job - at least not in name. The eventual election of a moderate cleric - unkindly described by some media as a sickly and feeble cleric - paved the way for Megawati Sukarnoputri to move into the VPs chair, but with the potential of being the real power behind the throne. And eventually on the throne itself.

I have to admit I may be swimming against the stream here, but I am not a great Megawati fan. I was disturbed by her general silence during the recent upheavals in East Timor, with the exception of her comments that she hoped the Timorese would vote to remain part of Indonesia. Conclusion? Tough to call, but my advice would be to watch developments in Jakarta very closely and not to take anything at face value.