A better second year

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.