Megawati isn't perfect

I read with interest your article on Megawati in the July 24 edition of The Jakarta Post. When Megawati became president a year ago, people started to criticize her not only for her total lack of political experience but also for being a woman who was too weak and dumb to have an opinion. In short, the only thing it was said she could claim was that she is the daughter of the late founding president, Sukarno.

After one year in office, people have begun to scream that she is a dictator, is unwilling to listen to advice and is still not able to improve the country's economic situation. She is also being criticized for not doing enough to combat corruption and bring peace to Aceh.

I asked myself whether anyone could carry out these tasks in one year. I doubt whether President Bush will be able to heal the widespread corruption now plaguing American corporations in a single year.

To be honest we are all guilty of corruption. When we park our car in Blok M and pay Rp 500 and don't ask for a receipt, that is corruption. When we shove a Rp 100,000 bill into the hands of a policeman, after being stopped for a wrong turn, that is also corruption. Believe me, we are all guilty of corruption, small or great.

It will probably take another 20 years before we are all clean of corruption, like many western countries nowadays.

We, Indonesians, are so quick to condemn someone for their shortcomings, as if we were so perfect ourselves. Look at the Americans who are more inclined to encourage and praise someone who is trying to do their best.

I am sure Megawati is not perfect and neither are the other Indonesians who think otherwise. Why don't we accept the fact that it is more peaceful now than before and that corruptors and bad debtors are being persecuted, something previous presidents never did?

Next time, give Megawati a slap on her back and tell her: "Well done Lady, I am sure you will be able to accomplish your tasks".

SUMARSONO SASTROWARDOYO, Jakarta