A better second year

Even before he stepped into Merdeka Palace, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's legacy had been assured. As the first-ever democratically elected Indonesian president, Susilo was the progeny of trial and error, part of this nation's desire to construct a more representational, fairer, system of governance.

Not simply a government by the people, of the people, and for the people, but one that abounds with humility and earnestness.

Despite the initial jubilation of electoral success, the past 12 months, however, have been a time that most would sooner forget. From mad men's ire to nature's wrath, Susilo's young administration had to care for a nation beset by domestic misfortune -- natural disasters and bombings -- in the least- friendliest global environment.

Not all problems can be blamed on fate though. The Susilo government's clumsiness was as culpable as providence.

Policy dithers by the new administration prevented quickfire remedies, as executive inexperience turned complications into problems. The president's occasional reticence exasperated critics and a predilection for platitudes before action helped stoke resentment as the poor became wretched and the wretched went hungry.

The rupiah's slump in recent months is in some ways a sign of the public and business sector's lack of confidence in the government. The most lucid indication that this government has not delivered what was expected.

Yet, despite his shortcomings, Susilo has shown that he is willing to take the necessary tough measures -- no matter how unpopular -- when deemed necessary. The massive fuel price hikes this year should help relieve long-term stresses on the budget.

The administration has also succeeded in doing what no other government has been able to do: Present a sound framework for peace in Aceh. The details of the agreement signed in Helsinki remain contentious, but at least the administration has displayed strong political will to bring a lasting peaceful solution to a region fraught with suffering and death.

That in itself is a feat that cannot be understated.

Pragmatically, the expectations placed on this administration were unrealistic. Twelve months, or even 60 months, insufficient to completely amend the many wrongs. But Indonesians long for small miracles. Some hope to raise them out of the doldrums hampering the past nine years of their lives.

We still believe that Susilo, with his overwhelming mandate, is a man who can prove that the democratic system this nation embraced can bring about better life for its peoples. Given the stock that was available at the time, we cannot imagine any other person as president able to survive and meet the challenges that have presented itself in the past year.

Hence, given the multiple challenges faced, we are of the opinion that President Susilo receives a passing grade during his freshman year, albeit with some degree of reservation.

If he can survive a very difficult first year such as this, he can go forth to better things.

It is imperative that in the coming months ahead he rekindles four major themes that were so prominent during his election campaign: Anti-corruption; economic recovery with emphasis on improving people's welfare; and continued pursuance of political reform.

Due to catastrophic events, many of these ambitions could not be pursued. But there should be no reason -- barring even more calamitous tragedies -- why in his second year the president cannot begin to show results in these fields.

Better coordination and more empathetic policies are a necessity if reform programs are to succeed and the government is to retain people's confidence. The politicization of Cabinet seats should be avoided, so too should public bouts for political control in the decision-making process.

First impressions are always important. But it will be the second imprint which either confirms or corrects the initial negative.

Year two of Susilo's presidency will set the scene for his last three years. This is not a second chance for Susilo, but a second wind for a country whose democratic exercise has only brought new depths of despair.

We look forward, with hope.