I learn a new word ~ sinis
We expats are often accused of being cynical, and for good reason. However, when discussing current affairs with some Indonesian executives today, they used the word
sinis, to describe not only themselves but also, and perhaps more pertinently, the strange antics of the soon-to-be not-elected presidential candidates.
The media scrum that greeted Fery Santoro, the RCTI cameraman held hostage for a year by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), upon his release from captivity was quite horrific. No wonder he cried hysterically. But why was Amien Rais at Soekarno-Hatta airport to greet him? And why did President Megawati grant Fery and his family an audience. And photo opportunity?
Nothing to do with the up-coming Presidential election of course. After all, both Amien and Mega will also meet the other 170 released hostages. Think of the photo opportunities there. Several babies can be cuddled.
Mega will also visit Ambon, the scene of renewed communal strife. For three hours.
You've got to feel sorry for Gen (ret) Wiranto as well. The only media attention he's getting is because he has been indicted by a United Nations-backed East Timor court for crimes against humanity. He suggests that
it's all a plot by rivals for the Presidency. Of course. How unfair of them.
What has produced the most cynical comments, however, relates to the convictions for corruption of 43 members of the 55-strong Padang, West Sumatra, legislative council. A similar case is pending against the Cirebon, West Java, legislative council and the Governor of Aceh. Yet various
House of Representatives members are shocked? The biggest shock is that these trials and investigations are actually taking place. A bit late in the presidential reign isn't it?
Still, no matter. Given that at least
70 percent of voters have already decided who they will vote for on July 5, even before the campaign period has officially begun, this limits the effectiveness of the campaigns.
As I often say, whoever you vote for, the government gets in.
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