A debt of gratitude to Megawati
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