In search of a true leader

I would like to comment on the article in the Other Opinion column titled Setting the measure for leaders (The Jakarta Post, June 25 p.6).

I think we, as a nation, are continually trying to find the answer to this question. I truly hope that the search continues, and that we continue to dig deeper and deeper to find out what kind of leader Indonesia needs. In this respect, I would like to share some criteria on what a good leader is.

I do not think that a leader is necessarily someone who is cleverer that everyone else. I think what a leader should be able to do is to get everybody around him to recognize the value of his vision, including his subordinates, as well as to really know their needs, and help them with what they need.

I think the true nature of a leader is someone who can put aside his own intelligence, his own cleverness, his own ego, and work together with all people in the organization and formulate a common goal. If there is such a person, he or she will not only be followed and respected, but also loved.

PASHA AGOES, Jakarta