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| MEGAWATI'S RETURN | |
 October 21 ,1999 
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IAN WILLIAMS: It was as if she'd won the presidency after all -- Megawati, engulfed by supporters and journalists after winning the number two slot. Even this had seemed inconceivable yesterday. But today a majority in parliament decided it was simply too dangerous to leave Indonesia's most popular politician out in the cold. SPOKESMAN: I agree that the best guarantee for political stability, social stability is a combination between Abdur and Megawati as vice president. IAN WILLIAMS: It had looked like horse-trading as usual, the military and the ruling party having their men proposed for the job, a quid pro quo for supporting Abdur Rahman Wahid yesterday. But Wahid told them they had to accommodate the woman who polled the most votes at the general election. ABDUR RAHMAN WAHID: As we know that Megawati got the lion's share of the vote. The party should be represented in the high-ranking position. SPOKESMAN: It is very difficult for Madame Megawati to become vice president because she has no experience in the government. But Madame Megawati can become vice president from the point of view of national reconciliation. IAN WILLIAMS: It was yesterday's violence that concentrated many parliamentary minds. There were fears of more unrest if Megawati was ditched again. The daughter of Indonesia's founding president, Sukarno, was sworn in this evening to a post that used to be largely ceremonial. But with the new president in such poor health, his deputy will have much more significance and clout. If he dies in office, she'll take over. In the meantime, the talk is of partnership. SPOKESMAN: Both of these new leaders, they are good people, high morality, and of course, they have a good relationship between them, and they have the same platform, respect the law, and, of course, they want to work together with the international society. IAN WILLIAMS: The vice-presidency may be a consolation prize, but Megawati's delighted supporters were soon out in force. Politics in Indonesia is frequently played out on the streets, as has been so clear in recent days. But tonight, they're intent on celebrating, rather than trashing the city. The atmosphere on the streets of the capital tonight is a good deal less threatening than yesterday. The hope is that it remains that way and that the election of Megawati as vice president ushers in a period of much-needed political stability. |
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