Toward a better Indonesia<\/p>\n
As Indonesians have executed their voting rights (June 7), the
\nfreest and fairest national elections in 34 year, I think that
\nthe country should be proud of having prominent reformist leaders
\nlike Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party, Megawati
\nSoekarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and
\nAbdurrahman Wahid (also known as Gus Dur) of the National
\nAwakening Party.<\/p>\n
They may have their differences and have their own style and
\ncharacteristics. However, they have one goal in common, that they
\nshare a vision to build a new better Indonesia based on democracy
\nand humanity.<\/p>\n
Amien is known as the father of reform, who has the courage to
\nfight the status quo. He is sharp, realistic and energetic. He is
\nwilling to correct his mistakes, improve himself and gets wiser
\nevery day. Amien is a politician who knows what he is doing and
\nsounds convincing.<\/p>\n
Megawati, on the other hand, is quiet and soft spoken. A
\nmotherly figure, who reflects patience and toughness at the same
\ntime. A figure that gives the people a feeling of peace and
\nsecurity. She is also a symbol of an oppressed group which
\nstruggles for justice.<\/p>\n
Gus Dur is a genuine humanist. A Moslem moderate, who stands
\nfor all races, ethnic groups and religions. He may sound
\nconfusing to many people sometimes, however, one thing is clear:
\nthat he consistently advocates nonviolence.<\/p>\n
The person who has given much contribution to openness and
\ntransparency, I would say, is Minister of Information Mohammad
\nYunus. Press freedom has played a significant role in helping
\npeople find the good, the bad and the truth in this reform era.
\nPresident Habibie deserves some credit for this. But the students
\nwho have struggled and sacrificed their lives for the reform are
\nthe most valued. They are the young people who are full of
\nenergy, potential and aspiration. Their awareness of the
\ncountry's political and economic situation shows that they care
\nfor the country. The future of Indonesia is laid on their
\nshoulders. The appreciation should also go to intellectuals who
\nhave been tirelessly expressing their opinions, analyses and
\nideas for a reformed and better Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The Indonesian Military has always been a part of Indonesian
\nhistory. It is people's great expectation that the military will
\nalways be on their side to protect them and maintain security.<\/p>\n
JENNY LAURITZ<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/toward-a-better-indonesia-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }