No mere rhetoric, please

President B.J. Habibie's state of the nation address before the House of Representatives's plenary session on Saturday was excellent. Many people, including those who do not like Habibie, regard his speech as quite comprehensive, straightforward and clear. In his more than two-hour-long speech, Habibie did not conceal the difficulties, agonies and adversities this nation encountered in its journey through history.

If -- and we repeat, if -- Habibie proves to be able to turn his commitments into reality he will be a truly great leader. We can dare dream about the establishment of a civil society that will be free of fear and in which each and every individual will be free to exercise his or her basic rights. The road toward establishing such a society, however, will be extremely arduous. Habibie is sure to encounter opposition, especially from vested interest groups who are loathe to see their privileges reduced or even abolished.

More importantly, Habibie must show that he is moving -- although step by step -- in that direction. He cannot just order a campaign against corruption, collusion and nepotism; he must begin with himself. A good deal of criticism has already been directed at a number of government policies and measures that have raised doubts about Habibie's sincerity.

We still have to wait and see what further measures Habibie will be taking. The chance is still open and Habibie has already set his constitutional agenda so that there is time for him to prove his commitment. The people will decide whether his term in office will be a short one or longer.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta