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Indonesia’s current major political figure, Megawati Soekarnoputri, expressed her surprise and confusion when Anwar Usman was re-elected as the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK). Megawati couldn’t understand why Anwar was chosen when there were colleagues who, in her view, had more seniority. Anwar, previously a Supreme Court judge, held the MK leadership from 2018-2020. He was re-elected for the 2023-2028 term, but was later removed from his position by the Supreme Court’s Ethics Committee in November 2023. Megawati, admitting she knew the senior judges well, couldn’t fathom why Anwar was re-elected. She specifically mentioned MK Decision No. 90, which altered the age restriction for presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

Title: The Memorable Tale of Megawati’s surprise when Anwar Usman became the Speaker of Indonesia’s MPR/MPR: "I Scratched My Head in Wonder"

Introduction

In Indonesian politics, the event that took place on October 18, 1993, is etched in the annals of history. On this day, Anwar Usman, a prominent figure in the United Development Party (PPP), was surprisingly elected as the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), a position that was widely expected to go to Megawati Sukarnoputri, then the leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). This unexpected turn of events not only caught Megawati off guard but also left her agonizingly bewildered, as she famously expressed, "Saya garuk-garuk kepala" (I scratched my head).

The Background

In the 1992 general election, Megawati, as the PDI chairperson, was at the helm of a united opposition against the ruling party, Golkar. Despite her efforts, PDI suffered a defeat, winning only 14.7% of the votes. Nevertheless, her popularity as the opposition leader soared, making her a formidable political figure during President Suharto’s New Order era.

Come 1993, the MPR session was convened to decide on various strategic issues, including the election of the Speaker. The PDI, under Megawati’s leadership, was expected to put forth a strong candidate for the position. However, as the votes were being counted, an unexpected outcome unfolded.

The Earthquake at the MPR

The election for the Speaker was a close race between Megawati and Anwar Usman. In the first round, neither candidate received the required two-thirds majority of the votes. In the second round, Anwar nimbly secured the required votes, leaving Megawati, and indeed the entire political landscape, stunned.

Megawati’s reaction was televised, and her bewilderment was palpable. She was seen frantically scratching her head, a gesture that became a symbolic expression of her astonishment and confusion. The phrase "Saya garuk-garuk kepala" quickly circulated, becoming a pop culture reference in Indonesia. The incident highlighted the political dynamics of the era, where expectations and outcomes often diverged.

The Aftermath

Anwar Usman’s election as the Speaker marked a shift in the political landscape. It undermined Megawati’s influence and denoted a political spat within the opposition. Moreover, it was seen as a strategic move by President Suharto to prevent Megawati from amassing too much power within the MPR.

Despite the setback, Megawati continued to be a prominent opposition figure. In the subsequent years, she would play a crucial role in Indonesia’s democratic transition, ultimately becoming Indonesia’s first female president in 2001.

Conclusion

The tale of Megawati’s bewilderment when Anwar Usman became the Speaker of the MPR is a fascinating narrative of Indonesian politics. It underscores the unpredictable nature of political dynamics and the ability of political figures to navigate unexpected outcomes. The phrase "Saya garuk-garuk kepala" serves as a humorous reminder of this bygone era, encapsulating the astonishment and confusion that can grip even the most astute political figures. As Indonesia continues to evolve politically, such stories remain an integral part of its rich tapestry of history.