A new dawn<\/p>\n
Throughout 2004, this country has been living through a series of
\nhistoric events. A year of firsts. And today, the nation will
\nwitness the most significant of those firsts -- the inauguration
\nof Indonesia's first democratically elected president.<\/p>\n
Difficult challenges lie ahead, and the path to a bright and
\nprosperous future is steep and narrow. We know that more sweat,
\ntears and, perhaps, even blood will have to be shed before a
\nsemblance of a humane and prosperous civil society is established
\nin our nascent democracy. Nevertheless, we cannot help but feel a
\nsense of jubilation and accomplishment with today's inauguration.
\nThat is not to say that we endorsed Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono over
\nthe incumbent during the election. Our elation is not contingent
\non the success of any candidate.<\/p>\n
Today feels like graduation day. We would encourage
\nIndonesians throughout the country, and all who love democracy,
\nto participate in the celebration of this occasion. The presence
\nof several world leaders at the inauguration ceremony underscores
\nthe significance of this event for the region.<\/p>\n
Ironically, as Susilo takes his solemn oath before a fully
\nelected national legislature, the one person who mattered most in
\nthe run-up to these proceedings -- President Megawati
\nSoekarnoputri -- has stubbornly decided not to show up. There is
\nnothing else that can be said that hasn't already been said
\nregarding her lack of respect. After today's proceedings,
\nhowever, she will not matter. Hence, we should not bother to
\ndwell inordinately on her decision.<\/p>\n
To the new president, we extend our congratulations and, in
\nmany ways, our sympathy. He has assumed the most powerful office
\nin a country of 220 million people. This is a responsibility not
\nbefitting of everyone, and a burden we would not wish on just
\nanyone.<\/p>\n
No one needs to remind Susilo that he is the leader of the
\nfourth biggest nation in the world and a role model for millions.
\nFrom the moment he pronounces his oath, the nation will
\ninstinctively turn to Susilo for leadership -- of the kind that
\nhas been lacking for many years.<\/p>\n
The politics of the day will undoubtedly sway and force
\ncompromise in many of the new president's desired policy
\ndecisions. But when in doubt, we would strongly urge him to
\nremember those who placed their trust in him: the farmer in the
\nfields, the mothers of our nation's children, and the teachers of
\nthe next generation. The presidential election was not a
\npolitical victory, it was a triumph of the common citizen.<\/p>\n
During his term, there will be easy decisions and tough ones.
\nThere will be choices that will be obvious, while others will not
\nbe so clear-cut. Through it all, it is our sincerest hope that
\nSusilo leads with wisdom and firmness, governs with an open mind,
\njudges with compassion, and punishes humanely.<\/p>\n
Finally, we would also call on Susilo to recognize that his
\nday in the sun is not solely the result of his own personal
\nendeavor or that of his political allies. It has come about only
\nafter years of personal toil by a handful of outspoken
\nindividuals, many of whom are scarce remembered, who down through
\nthe years suffered persecution, terror and hardship, all in the
\nname of justice and a belief in democracy. A spirit which was
\nborn out of acute injustice and tragedy. A movement which, truth
\nbe told, Susilo was initially never a part of or even openly
\nadvocated.<\/p>\n
In this respect, his presidential legacy will reside in the
\nsense of justice he brings to the nation, rather than whether an
\nelection can again be held in five years time.<\/p>\n
The real core of our democracy's value is not simply equal
\nrights, but the fact that every Indonesian shall have the freedom
\nto pursue his God-given destiny without political restraint.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-new-dawn-1447899208",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}