'Reformasi' has had its day
We all know that the election in Indonesia is over. The mobilisation of the masses within the framework of the campaign is over. That's it. You've all had your fun.
Now it's time we returned to the business to hand. And that business, need I point out, is the business of the armed forces — which is no one else's business but ours. All thoughts to the contrary which may be retained by any segment of the population have another thing coming. Yes indeed, another thing. The law does not allow for this.
It did, perhaps, for awhile. It may have been all right to march up and down the streets of the capital, blaspheming God, renting a crowd of discontents and layabouts and urging them to let off steam. But the vote, need I point out, has been taken. That is it.
The civil unrest has passed, indeed, it must pass. The nation can no longer afford such indulgences.
The people have spoken through the ballot box, and we have heard them loud and clear, and have taken note. That's all the democracy you're likely to get this side of ... of ...the next time (whenever that's likely to be).
You, whoever you are, have had your share. Be content with what you got. That's ample.
It is now our task, having taken due note of the result, to rebuild the nation by harnessing the collective will of the broader team that the people have bequeathed to us. We can live with that. So should you.
Out of the old regime a new promise is surely born. We may not like it, but we can live with it. We can go along with the result. If we can, if the military can, why can't you?
Accept what you cannot now change. Reformasi has had its day. In Indonesia, reform has gone about as far as it can go. Yes indeed. Mark my words: it has gone as far as it will go.
So it's time that the part-time politicos who have strutted the stage these last few months withdrew their hoardings from the street and shut up shop.
That's a warning, by the way. Be warned: it is time to leave behind the methods of yesterday and return to the good order promised by ... by ... what we've just been through.
And we're not going through it again! No gatherings of the masses, you hear me? There is no longer any place for any movement aimed at a show of force.
That's our job.
By Dave Riley