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