SBY's second term begins, with some disasters

By Alex Schlotzer
29/10/09

Already, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's (or better known as SBY) second term has been struck by
more natural disasters, less than a few months into his new term. And now he is being entangled in
Australia's disgraceful policies towards asylum seekers. There are more than enough examples of
the previous and current government's similarities in asylum seeker policies (here, here and here).

SBY easily won the presidential election, it turned out to be a pretty boring affair as die-hard
election observers hoped for a run-off election. The polling in the lead up to the election suggested
a possible run-off election but this was not to eventuate.

It seems that his efforts to reform Indonesia's political and corporate structures were somewhat
thwarted by nature in his first term. From the beginning of his first term, soon after his
inauguration as President, he was tested with the earthquake and subsequent Tsunami (or Boxing
Day Tsunami).

On the whole his government worked pretty hard in SBY’s first term at genuinely tackling
corruption, collusion and nepotism; what is known locally as korupsi, kolusi and nepotisme or
KKN. And his government has been trying to make democracy more transparent (by all accounts
these were the most peaceful and democratic presidential elections to-date). Given the sheer size of
the nation and being an archepelago of thousands of islands, there is no doubt going to be many
examples of KKN. And while his detractors used these examples, there was little impact made
given the final outcome. However, will he be able to manage the continuing natural disasters
befalling the nation?

There were numerous earthquakes, mudslides, and floods throughout SBY’s first term. Each of
them taking their toll socially, economically and environmentally; the regular stories of the
devastation these natural disasters take on the lives and families of survivors. Plus there are
ongoing issues of providing the aid and support needed for people to rebuild their lives; homes,
schools and businesses. And unfortunately, nature seems to be conspiring against SBY as he begins
his second term with more earthquakes, mudslides and floods. The current spate of natural disasters
is compounding an already disaster-swamped nation.

Undoubtedly, there'll be attempts by the various political factions to make political life difficult for
SBY in his second term. It does however, mean that SBY can legitimately deploy the nation's
armed forces to help with aid and rescue efforts. There will be those that will decry his handling of
other political (West Papua) and environmental (Sumatra) hot spots. This could include internal and
factional critcism over appearing to be bowing to the 'West's pressure' on human rights abuse or
environmental abuses with deforestation. On top of all of this, Australia's policies toward asylum
seekers have created an additional unnecessary distraction from SBY's main game; perbaikan
politik, hukum dan keuangan (political, legal and financial reforms). There are many that have
complained about SBY being too “pro-Australia”. And when there is too much time for factions to
criticise, then there’s time to consider alternative presidents.

There will be some testing times as he also needs to keep an eye on the wranglings of the legislators
(individuals and factions) and senior bureaucrats. If the reforms do not continue and the population
pays soaring prices for the basics (kerosine, petrol, oil, rice etc) further delays to the main game can
ensue as 'law and order' is restored. SBY is no fool and obviously knows it's a stellar balancing act
to perform. But with the main game seemingly dis-jointed (SBY liked to shuffle the cabinet in his
first term for factional purposes) and regular natural disasters needing urgent attention does he have
the staying power? Can he keep pursuing political, legal and financial reforms and help further
diminish the propensity for corruption, collusion and nepotism?

Strangely it could be the very transparency he's worked for that could see SBY losing the next
presidential election; for no other reasons than 'he's had his go', or 'he didn't do enough to tackle
coruption (collusion and/or nepotism)'. However the fear of the return of dictators, geniune and the
disingenuous, could also be another very compelling reason for Indonesians to vote for someone
else next time. Time is ticking.