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Indonesia's Megawati Warns of Crisis
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Amid a mounting political crisis that is threatening Indonesia's
president, popular Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri warned Monday that the
sprawling nation could break up and become "the sick man of Asia."
Megawati's statesmanlike speech came nine days before parliament is expected to
demand the impeachment of President Abdurrahman Wahid over allegations of corruption
and incompetence. She would be almost certain to replace him if he is ousted.
"We are now facing some critical moments in politics, the economy, culture as well as
for our defense and security," Megawati told members of a military think tank.
She said the fate of other countries that have disintegrated in recent years could befall
Indonesia, a nation of 210 million people and 13,000 islands that is plagued by violence in
several restive regions.
"We must learn so that that kind of tragedy does not occur in our beloved land," she
said.
Over the weekend, six people died as the result of a religious conflict between Muslims
and Christians in the Maluku islands and three were killed in Aceh province, where
separatist rebels have been fighting government forces for 25 years.
While two financial scandals are at the center of the effort to remove Wahid, he has also
been criticized, among other things, for his handling of the regional tension and bloodshed.
Wahid began his presidency in 1999 amid high hopes for reform after years of
dictatorship. He soon became mired in scandal and political infighting.
Indonesia must successfully deal with challenges to its transition to democracy, she said,
adding that otherwise "we will descend and become the sick man of Asia."
Also Monday, Defense Minister Mohammad Mahfud denied speculation that Wahid
plans to replace the military's top brass, declare a state of emergency and dissolve
parliament before lawmakers can act against him.
"The people and the media have been tricked by rumors that actually have no basis,"
Mahfud said. "These rumors are designed to heat up the atmosphere."
In recent weeks top army generals have publicly warned Wahid not to try to dissolve
parliament, following reports that he intended to declare martial law.
Wahid has repeatedly denied he has any such plans. However, his spokesman has
confirmed that he has discussed the possibility with senior officers.
Wahid made a conciliatory overture to the military Monday, saying that he wanted to
modernize its aging equipment, much of which dates back to the 1950s and 60s.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters demonstrated at the offices of the political party of
former dictator Suharto, demanding that it be disbanded because of alleged vote rigging.
Rallies were held to mark the third anniversary of Suharto's fall following 32 years in
power.
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