Your comments on a claim made by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono that there is a movement, which tries to overthrow him and his government.
In one way or another I am quite familiar with that kind of remark coming from a person in power. It may be sincere, or may also be a well-calculated political communication. Whatever may be the case, if the President really believes that it would be so easy to overthrow him, then there must be something wrong with our democratic system.
How come a President who has just recently won the election by an impressive majority be toppled through a mysterious elitist mechanism, beyond the control of the vast majority of the electorate?
In the current political situation, the President's remark would seem to reflect more basic attitudes of the one clinging to power, which has so far been carefully wrapped in manifestations of good intentions and other promises.
Putranto
Yogyakarta
The latest statement of President SBY is to remind the people who will be involved in the mass rally on Dec. 9 to carry out their demonstration in a peaceful manner, and that they have not to be provoked by anyone who has a hidden agenda like discrediting or toppling him. His statement is based on input from his state apparatus, tasked to monitor the celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day.
Abdul Rahim
Tangerang, Banten
I voted for you. What a stupid mistake that was. And now you are trying to limit the KPK's authority to wiretap corruption suspects. Tell me what they did wrong. Wiretapped conversations are considered concrete evidence in court! I wish I could take my vote back. We are watching you.
Dinda
Jakarta
SBY is just afraid of his own shadow.
Sutikno
Jakarta
Bring it on, Pak Yudhoyono! Lead the jihad troops against the corrupt enemies of this country. When the cleansing is complete, please send me an invitation to your (Corruption) Liberation Ceremony.
Barry Acott
Melbourne
SBY had always wanted to look perfect. Man is not perfect, Mr. President! Do not accuse the people who want to help eliminate corruption.
Zen
Jakarta
While the President may be pre-emptive in his allegations that there was a movement to remove him from power under the guise of the anticorruption rally, I felt that it was a wise move politically.
Recently he has been attacked by his opponents for his handling of the Bank Century case and his opponents have been gaining momentum and support from the people who allege that he had siphoned of the money for his own gain.
This movement to de-popularize him was vicious and snowballing in size. If his opponents were wise, they would have to chosen the most perfect timing to overthrow him and what better opportunity than when a great mass of people were going to gather to rally against corruption.
He had fired his warning shot and it was a warning to both his opponents and the people that he is within his power to use force if things are to happen and people better not be shocked. This move was proven to ease the aggressiveness of his opponents during yesterday's rally and there was very little unrest across the country. SBY may have his little glitches and hiccups but I don't believe that there is a better person to run this country at this time.
People who have been alleging in appropriation during the Bank Century debacle are just upset that they have been bypassed during the decision-making and have not stood to gain during the disbursement of the funds. In my opinion, if it had to go through more parties, a mere Rp 6 trillion would have exploded into Rp 30 trillion to contain the crisis.
I believe the President made an executive decision and it had spared this country from the same crisis that gripped us socially and economically 11 years back. On the back of the decision, the country has not only experienced growth with only two other countries but the rupiah had gained in strength.
People may like to be reminded how much BLBI funds were disbursed during the last financial crisis and what little effect it had and the amount of corruption that resulted from it.
T. B.
Jakarta
Corruptors have difficulties unseating Sri Mulyani and especially SBY. They will not and cannot stop trying. They have to continually do something, evil as it may be, if only to save their neck. Now they use our hungry people to pull down their government. They even tried all sorts to gag our free press. The corruptors are dead worried about our unwavering support for SBY's government.
Moeljono Adikoesoemo
Jakarta.
Why worry Mr. President! You were elected by a landslide majority vote direct from the people, you are backed by a big majority in parliament, you are supreme commander of the Armed Forces and the Police and you are assisted by a loyal Intelligence Agency. And specifically regarding the Bank Century case you already called for a thorough investigation to clear up the matter.
You have the authority to use all the powers invested in your presidential position to put down any unconstitutional efforts to topple you as President of the Republic of Indonesia. Your mandate cannot be withdrawn by public opinion expressed in cyber space and street actions. Please carry on firmly to fulfill your mission!
Soebagjo Soetadji
Jakarta
