It is indeed difficult to manage the country

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