Indonesian President Wahid: Puppet or Skilled Politician?

By Kay Schriner (kays@comp.uark.edu)

Abdurrahman Wahid, who is disabled, was elected as Indonesia's fourth president last October. In an unexpected victory, Wahid defeated the popular Magawati Sukarnoputri to take his place as leader of the fourth-largest nation in the world.

But who is Wahid? Is he a severely disabled man who may be easily manipulated? Or is he a skilled politician who adroitly negotiated with numerous political factions to win the election?

What you think of Wahid and his abilities might depend on which newspaper you read.  Washington Post reporter Keith B. Richburg announced the winner by describing Wahid as "a Muslim leader who is frail and nearly blind." In a series of articles after the Indonesian election, Richburg repeatedly emphasized the fact that Wahid's health had been compromised by "two debilitating strokes" which have made him "given to erratic statements," adding that "many here questioned whether Wahid 'was up to the job'."

Richburg reported that when Wahid took the oath of office, he had to "be helped to the stage and to the podium by two aids clutching his arms. And when the time came to sign his name and shake hands, his hands had to be guided by aids."

Another Washington Post article by Richburg was headlined "New leader's health worries Indonesians: Ailing Wahid must govern nation torn by problems." In that article, Richburg raised the question of whether Wahid could be easily manipulated: "Would the military be the power behind a president who needs constant aid? "And who would emerge to speak for him? Family members? Military adjutants? Leaders of his political party? Or Muslim scholars from his Java-based Nahdlatul Ulama organization?"

Richburg also reported that "Having a president who is unable to read documents will require an unusual daily office routine".One step, say political insiders, is to reduce the number of documents on the president's desk by forming "advisory councils' of outside experts. These councils"would meet regularly to meet Wahid and allow him to decide orally."

In a photo accompanying one Washington Post story, a "frail Wahid" was shown being "helped by one of his daughters and an aid". In reporting on Wahid's first major policy address, Richburg reminded readers that Wahid is "nearly blind, diabetic and in poor health since brain surgery in 1998" and reported that "Because of his failing eyesight - [Wahid] can no longer read - he delivered his remarks extemporaneously for about 40 minutes."

The New York Times has  focused less on Wahid's health. Reporting on the election outcome, reporter Seth Mydans described Wahib as a "respected Muslim leader whose message is tolerance, inclusion and self-respect", though he also stated that Wahib was "nearly blind and weakened by a stroke". Mydans' profile article indicated that Wahid had had surgery to restore some vision, and quoted him as saying "Everything has been examined. Stomach, kidney, blood, mental and memory assessment. Everything is good, excellent." The article then evaluated Wahid's skills, discussing at some length his ability to balance the political demands of secular and religious communities. Subsequent coverage made only brief mention of Wahid's disability.

The London based Times emphasized Wahid's political skills, and devoted little coverage to his health. In announcing his election, the London Times introduced Wahid as both a "Muslim cleric" and the "frail cleric". In additional coverage, Watts described him as "the leader of the country's largest Muslim group", and Wahid's political experience took center stage. His impairment was described (as "a stroke that has left him unable to walk unaided and "blind in one eye") along with his marital status, the number of children he has, and various personal characteristics. Politically, Watts' article portrayed Wahid as a "wily if unpredictable politician" who is "something of a maverick". An editorial in the paper appearing right before the election declared that Wahib "may be the best of the three candidates", calling him a "wily kingmaker" and a "consummate politician" with a "mastery of horse-trading".

So who is Abdurrahman Wahid? How you answer this question may depend on what you read.
 

For more on Wahid's election, see the following stories:

Keith B. Richburg. "Muslim leaders scores upset in Indonesia". Washington Post, October 21, 1999, p. A1.

Keith B. Richburg. "Vice President Megawati." Washington Post, October 22, 1999, p. A25.

Keith B. Richburg. "New leader's health worries Indonesians." Washington Post, October 24, A1.

Keith B. Richburg. "Indonesian President invokes nationalism." Washington Post, October 25, 1999, p. A19.

Seth Mydans. "Indonesia chooses an Islamic cleric as new president". New York Times, October 21, 1999, p. A1.

Seth Mydans. "Revered, criticized by some, and often prankish." New York Times, October 21, 1999, A8.

David Watts. "Riots flare over Indonesian president." London Times, October 21, 1999, p. 1.

David Watts. "Megawati defeat greeted by Jakarta bombing." London Times, October 21, 1999, p. 18.

David Watts. "Wily maverick takes the reins." London Times, October 21, 1999, p. 18.