Congratulations to Susilo, Megawati

From Media Indonesia

I congratulate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who looks set to win the first direct presidential election, and incumbent President Megawati Soekarnoputri on their efforts to maintain democracy in Indonesia.

I believe both are truly democratic individuals, so I hope they will react appropriately to the election result. Susilo should be wise in responding to his victory, while Megawati should accept her defeat with an open mind.

However, after the election runoff on Sept. 20, Susilo and Megawati both have the same responsibility to calm down their supporters. Susilo must urge his supporters to be humble; Megawati must encourage hers to accept reality wholeheartedly.

HARTANTO Jakarta