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t is clear the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P )needs a new chairman because of the recent losses incurred by the PDI-P during the two last presidential elections. Although Megawati Soekarnoputri is still the powerhouse behind the PDI-P, its current policies are clearly outdated, old fashioned and in need of drastic change.

Whether Guruh Soekarnoputra is the right answer is still doubtful. The name Sukarno is still respected in this country, but being a scion of Sukarno does not automatically mean that Guruh has inherited Sukarno’s charisma, intelligence, speech expertise and his political skills. To be able to lead a big political party like the PDI-P is not that easy.

What Guruh needs to do is involve himself more and learn how to be an active participant in the political arena. He has yet to learn the inside outs of political wheeling and dealing. The majority of PDI-P supporters still want Megawati as the chairman.  

Guruh has a tough job ahead of him in convincing them to support him. With due respect to Guruh, who is an excellent musician, a brilliant composer and an expert choreographer; in the field of politics he still has a lot to learn. 

He has yet to prove himself, especially to the old guard of the PDI-P that he is the right person to bring about radical changes within the PDI-P. Guruh is a respected artist and his drastic decision to become an active politician is causing many politicians to raise their eyebrows.

Everybody in this country knows that. Sukarno’s siblings grew up with politics. But growing up in the political arena and taking an active part in it are two different things altogether. Megawati has proved herself to be a brilliant PDI-P leader.

She carved out a niche for herself in the Indonesian political scene. She is still a person to be reckoned with and her political opponents are taking her very seriously as she is still the chairman of one of the biggest political parties in Indonesia. 

Guruh should visit all provinces in this country, he should campaign more, he should first of all prove himself to the people in general and the PDI-P supporters in particular that he is seriously involving himself in politics and that he is earnestly contemplating taking over the chairmanship from his sister although this will not be an easy task because many in the PDI-P do not take him very seriously due to his artistic past.


Lynna van der Zee-Oehmke
Bogor, West Java