It is indeed difficult to manage the country

Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri has several times complained about how heavy her duty is as head of state.

She has already expressed dissatisfaction over government bureaucracy and the performance of cabinet ministers.

This daily has long reminded that the structure of our bureaucracy is no longer fit to be used in the present situation. The president should thus take concrete steps to build a new structure of bureaucracy, which can support national development.

We appreciate people who have chosen to become politicians and devote their lives to the nation's interests. A politician should know that setting up democracy could not be done in one night. It is a long-term investment, the returns of which will be enjoyed only by the next generations.

Consequently, we should not become hopeless in bringing this nation out of its many crises. We should be optimistic that Indonesia could survive.

We thus hope that the president could encourage all components of the nation to do their best for the country.

Indonesia has the chance to emerge out of its many crises as it has a very good macroeconomic condition.

We need a leader who does not easily become desperate -- a leader who can raise the people's hopes for a better future.

-- Kompas, Jakarta