THE rush of choices haunted Amien Rais, presidential candidate for the National Mandate Party (PAN) and a man many are watching closely. Although he frequently travels between Jakarta and Yogya, Amien had yet to set aside a special time to listen to counsel from close colleagues and supporters. But last Sunday, while savoring the dishes at Nyonya Suharti Restaurant in Yogyakarta, the PAN leader seriously considered outside wisdom.

Ichlasul Ama