Letters: Old political rivalries

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Megawati Soekarnoputri, two old rivals, officially declared themselves candidates for the presidential election of July 8, 2009. Jusuf Kalla (JK) earlier broke his partnership with SBY and declared himself a presidential candidate. , 

SBY has chosen Bank Indonesia Governor Boediono as his running mate (the pair has been dubbed "SBY Berboedi"). Meanwhile supporters of JK and his vice-presidental running mate Wiranto are calling the pair "JK-Win" and the Megawati-Prabowo team is being called "Mega-Pro".   |  Tue, 05/19/2009 3:10 PM  |  Reader's Forum

Although many observers consider SBY/Boediono the strongest pair (supported by 56 percent of seats in the House), others have not ruled out JK-Win (supported by 22 percent of seats in the House) or Mega-Pro (supported by 21 percent of seats in the House) as potential winners.

JK who is considered the "real president" by one respected social science scholar, certainly knows SBY's weaknesses and capabilities. I believe JK will occasionally exploit these weaknesses in his presidential campaign.

Therefore, SBY-Berboedi and their supporters should not be too optimistic, because Indonesians will think rationally concerning the election of their head of state. The Indonesian people will certainly think twice before choosing the "kind of Indonesian national leader they wish to solve their coming challenges".

Accordingly, Indonesians needs a leader who is capable, courageous and decisive enough to solve their complex problems. The President, of course, should be wise and prudent, but he or she should be decisive.

The large number of coalitions will push SBY to compose another rainbow cabinet just to satisfy their interests, while Boediono is not likely to oppose SBY's wishes as he is expected to be loyal to his master and keep silent.

Based on his neglect of the interests of his coalition partners when he chose Boediono, I do not think SBY will be firm enough in deciding the composition of Indonesia's cabinet.

So which one will be the best people's choice for president and vice president for 2009-2014? The answer needs wise consideration, not only based on emotion and blind loyalty. Through our political system we have been given three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates to choose from, so those are our choices.

Soedibyo
Jakarta

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