A new dawn
A new dawn
Throughout 2004, this country has been living through a series of
historic events. A year of firsts. And today, the nation will
witness the most significant of those firsts -- the inauguration
of Indonesia's first democratically elected president.
Difficult challenges lie ahead, and the path to a bright and
prosperous future is steep and narrow. We know that more sweat,
tears and, perhaps, even blood will have to be shed before a
semblance of a humane and prosperous civil society is established
in our nascent democracy. Nevertheless, we cannot help but feel a
sense of jubilation and accomplishment with today's inauguration.
That is not to say that we endorsed Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono over
the incumbent during the election. Our elation is not contingent
on the success of any candidate.
Today feels like graduation day. We would encourage
Indonesians throughout the country, and all who love democracy,
to participate in the celebration of this occasion. The presence
of several world leaders at the inauguration ceremony underscores
the significance of this event for the region.
Ironically, as Susilo takes his solemn oath before a fully
elected national legislature, the one person who mattered most in
the run-up to these proceedings -- President Megawati
Soekarnoputri -- has stubbornly decided not to show up. There is
nothing else that can be said that hasn't already been said
regarding her lack of respect. After today's proceedings,
however, she will not matter. Hence, we should not bother to
dwell inordinately on her decision.
To the new president, we extend our congratulations and, in
many ways, our sympathy. He has assumed the most powerful office
in a country of 220 million people. This is a responsibility not
befitting of everyone, and a burden we would not wish on just
anyone.
No one needs to remind Susilo that he is the leader of the
fourth biggest nation in the world and a role model for millions.
From the moment he pronounces his oath, the nation will
instinctively turn to Susilo for leadership -- of the kind that
has been lacking for many years.
The politics of the day will undoubtedly sway and force
compromise in many of the new president's desired policy
decisions. But when in doubt, we would strongly urge him to
remember those who placed their trust in him: the farmer in the
fields, the mothers of our nation's children, and the teachers of
the next generation. The presidential election was not a
political victory, it was a triumph of the common citizen.
During his term, there will be easy decisions and tough ones.
There will be choices that will be obvious, while others will not
be so clear-cut. Through it all, it is our sincerest hope that
Susilo leads with wisdom and firmness, governs with an open mind,
judges with compassion, and punishes humanely.
Finally, we would also call on Susilo to recognize that his
day in the sun is not solely the result of his own personal
endeavor or that of his political allies. It has come about only
after years of personal toil by a handful of outspoken
individuals, many of whom are scarce remembered, who down through
the years suffered persecution, terror and hardship, all in the
name of justice and a belief in democracy. A spirit which was
born out of acute injustice and tragedy. A movement which, truth
be told, Susilo was initially never a part of or even openly
advocated.
In this respect, his presidential legacy will reside in the
sense of justice he brings to the nation, rather than whether an
election can again be held in five years time.
The real core of our democracy's value is not simply equal
rights, but the fact that every Indonesian shall have the freedom
to pursue his God-given destiny without political restraint.