SBY and the opportunity

SBY and the opportunity

If ever a country has moved positively in the right direction
in such a short period of time, then take your hats off and say
well done Indonesia. We only need to look back six short years at
a country that was facing not only financial ruin, but also the
possibility of becoming a failed state.

All that is historic mumbo-jumbo as Indonesia now turns the
corner and heads for a future that could well be the envy of
many. SBY has just inherited a nation of immense opportunity that
has been wasted and abused over the past decades. He will know
for sure the power of the people in a country that has cried out
in desperation at the blatant waste of potential and natural
resources.

The people have also patiently waited for the political elite
to understand what nationalism and Indonesia is all about. The
so-called reformasi (reform) flag bearers of 1998/1999 have all
shown their inability to lead this nation forward, and yet
despite their failures, the people have stayed solid in their
belief that Indonesia can be a well respected and morally correct
country.

This has been sitting their just waiting for the right leader
to come along, but SBY would be wise to consider his role and his
obligations as the new president. This country is in desperate
need of a person that puts nation building at the very top of the
agenda, and that is most certainly achievable if Susilo has the
courage to stay focused on his campaign agenda. To be able to
walk freely among the many different ethnic and religious
communities in this country would be the pinnacle of anyone's
career, and to do so would surely unite this nation as never
before.

I envy the SBY situation, for this world needs leaders that
are clear-sighted, committed and blessed with an opportunity to
lead a nation that is more than ready to demonstrate its
willingness to move forward.

Just look around the world at the desperate state of many
nations, and then look at the opportunity facing Indonesia and
SBY. To those that are the political losers through their own
negligence and arrogance -- step back and start thinking about
this nation (your nation) and accept that the old days have gone
forever.

DAVID WALLIS
Medan, North Sumatra