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.