On change of national leader

After paying close attention to the current situation and condition of our country where there is not yet any indication of abatement, we surely do not wish to see things go from bad to worse. Since the proclamation of our independence in 1945, we have had four presidents, meaning four changes in the national leader. The first three leaders stepped down from the presidency involuntarily and tragically.

As a human being, the late Bung Karno, our first president, was not free from making mistakes, but it must be admitted that he also had done great things for this republic.

Similarly, Soeharto, the second president, had also done many positive things for this republic. He was particularly known to have engaged in the physical development of the country, which was a good thing. Unfortunately, he ruled the country for too long and the situation changed for the worse. His successor also contributed good things to the country despite the fact that he had taken several unpopular actions during his short time as president.

If every time we replace the national leader seemingly under the unconstitutional pretext of "saving the people's interest, or maintaining the agenda of reform", or for whatever good reasons, which actually are empty slogans, I think the salvation generation should play its role immediately and start doing something about it.

Also the political elite, as the cream of this republic, need to be patient and restrain themselves in facing the present situation. Although the constitutionally elected president has not been doing anything to meet the people's expectation, and the reform agenda has not been totally completed, we should not wish the for President to step down before his term of office ends. Why not give him a few days more to improve his administration?

SUKANTO

Jakarta