SBY's commitment to true democracy<\/p>\n
The reform movement in Indonesia has borne fruit. Six years
\nafter former president Soeharto was toppled by the reform
\nmovement in 1998, the country with the world's largest Muslim
\npopulation this year organized its first direct election.<\/p>\n
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), a retired four-star general,
\nwith running mate Jusuf Kalla, a wealthy businessman turned
\npolitician, is the first Indonesian president to be directly
\nelected by the people.<\/p>\n
By June next year, the Indonesian people will have directly
\nelected at least 176 heads of regional government in the country.
\nThe direct presidential election was a milestone in the history
\nof Indonesian democracy. In previous governments, the Indonesian
\npeople were directed to elect political parties, a system where
\npeople voted for a party, not a person.<\/p>\n
Indonesians should welcome this development with joy, not
\nbecause Megawati was defeated or because SBY won the race, but
\nbecause the people are now able to exercise their rights and
\nelect a president of their choice. More importantly, this is a
\nprelude to the Indonesian people moving closer to true democracy.<\/p>\n
It should be noted that Megawati has done a wonderful job. She
\nhas laid the foundation for developing democracy and making
\nchanges. And SBY is challenged to continue the cause Megawati
\npioneered. Heaps of challenges lie ahead. This country of over
\n220 million people has 10 million people who are unemployed and
\n30 million others who are underemployed.<\/p>\n
ANDI ABDUSSALAM
\nTangerang, Banten<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sbys-commitment-to-true-democracy-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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