Marianne Kearney, Jakarta – The thousands of students who have been protesting across Indonesia in the past few weeks might argue that replacing President Abdurrahman Wahid is the only way to save Indonesia from its economic and political morass.
However, most Indonesians would disagree, arguing that Indonesia lacks a leader capable of pulling the country out of its economic and political crisis.
A survey conducted across five Indonesian cities and covering all socio-economic levels reveals dissatisfaction with, and lack of confidence in, all the major political leaders.
The independent Centre for the Study of Development and Democracy conducted the survey among 1,200 respondents between January 25 to February 9.
When asked who was capable of solving Indonesia's problems, 30 per cent could not name anyone. Vice-President Megawati Sukarnoputri was named by 28 per cent. She far outstripped Mr Abdurrahman, who was selected by only 12 per cent of those surveyed.
But while the President may not have the popular support he claims, his detractors have even less. Only 7 per cent of respondents nominated MPR Speaker Amien Rais as capable of solving Indonesia's crisis and 4 per cent thought Golkar leader Akbar Tandjung was capable.
Interestingly, Dr Amien, one of Mr Abdurrahman's strongest critics, was thought even less capable than former President B. J. Habibie, who is infamous for having "lost" East Timor to the United Nations.
"They've succeeded in reducing the legitimacy of the President to zero, but they've taken themselves down too," said analyst Dr Syahrir of Mr Abdurrahman's political opponents.
Another political scientist, Mr Daniel Sparringa, said the survey illustrated "the widening gap between the political elite and ordinary civilians".
Most analysts were not surprised at the widespread disappointment in Indonesia's leaders, saying the political system did not encourage accountability.
"Everybody agrees the political system doesn't work because there is confusion over whether we have a parliamentary democracy or a presidential system," said Dr Syahrir.
Asked who should replace Mr Abdurrahman if he were forced out of office, 46 per cent of respondents nominated Ms Megawati, while all the other political leaders trailed far behind.
Dr Syahrir said public respect for Mr Abdurrahman, Mr Akbar and Dr Amien was low because they were perceived as being "greedy and selfish", while Ms Megawati was seen to be wiser.
The survey also suggested that the two financial scandals, which may lead to the President's impeachment, were not the issues that had led to lack of confidence in Mr Abdurrahman's leadership.