A debt of gratitude to Megawati
H. Franklin Thomas, Jr., Jakarta
As history closes the door on Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri's presidency let us pause as a nation and a people and say thank you on behalf of Indonesia and the free world for a job well done!
"We the people," the first three words of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America, expresses the essence of our belief in self-government. These words are a reminder that each of us is responsible for ensuring the success of our democracy and that the effectiveness of our institutions of government depends upon the individual men and women who shape them. If any nation is to remain strong, every citizen must not only develop an understanding of their history and government but also participate actively in the democratic process.
The people of Indonesia have done just that and ushered in a democracy that hopefully will represent that of a self-governed society. Indonesia has finally completed an "era of transition" The bridge between a dream and a destiny is fulfilled and the dedication of President Megawati in "staying the course" and carrying out the vision of her father has enabled the success of democracy to prevail once again, in our world.
The words of President Sukarno encapsulated the essence of Indonesia's diverse people when he exclaimed, "Our democracy is not a battlefield of opponents, our democracy is nothing else than a search for synthesis." President Sukarno recognized the paramount importance of the challenge of this synthesis and called on Indonesia's diverse people to "bury their differences and work for the common good of the country".
As an American who considers it an honor to have resided in Indonesia for almost eight years, I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed Sukarno's vision fulfilled by the diligent and hard work of his daughter. Indonesia has successfully pioneered its way as a new democracy. I believe history will reflect this best as an era when the circumstances of our world dictated that democracy might be impossible, but the spirit and passion of the Indonesian People prevailed.
The efforts and strong leadership of Ibu Megawati's administration ushered this great nation right into the mainstream of globalization and the possibilities of economic freedom. A vision that was articulated over 59 years ago has finally been achieved and the founding father's dreams have been fulfilled in his daughter's unforgettable patriotism and optimism, as well as her tenacious leadership.
Indonesia is too great a nation to limit itself to small dreams and mundane politics. As President Megawati's leadership has been the bridge that linked the country's history with its destiny of freedom and democracy, so must all Indonesians realize that their moment has finally come and they are indeed free. Indonesians have suffered greatly yet they remain a resilient and hopeful people. Now is not a time for criticism but a time for recognition and honor and yes a time for celebration for all that has been achieved under Ibu Megawati's leadership. Let all the people of this great nation rise up; and continue to bury their differences and work for the common good of this diverse land. United we stand!
I am on optimist and I believe the people's faith and confidence in President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will prove both positive and like this extraordinary nation, he too will rise to the occasion.
Indonesia is all the better for having had Ibu Megawati as their President. With great affection for Indonesia I say thank you to President Megawati for being an effective leader and ensuring the success of this era of transition. God Bless you and Indonesia!
The writer is Advisor to the Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and he can be reached at frank143@bkpm.go.id