SBY's speech very inspiring

Thank you for printing the English translation of the inaugural speech of Indonesia's new President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), in The Jakarta Post's Oct. 21 edition. This is one of the finest speeches I have ever read. It is deserving of a place of honor in the curriculum of Indonesian schools and to be read by all Indonesian citizens and by all who love Indonesia throughout the world.

The English translation of President SBY's speech is a model of excellent English. The vocabulary is not so difficult either. Even with only a few minutes instruction and practice, my Indonesian 10th grade high school students, could stand before their classes and read it respectfully and forcefully, with very few pronunciation mistakes.

More importantly, by reading this speech, these students could be proud of their great country, Indonesia, and grow in respect for its leadership. They could see that at last they have a role model who is sincere in eradicating corruption. collusion and nepotism (KKN), and who is bravely providing personal leadership.

They can admire the wisdom of a man who begins and ends his speech with thanks to God for His blessings, and who wisely acknowledges his vice president, and praises his predecessors, pledging to lead the nation "to remember and cherish all the great deeds of president Megawati Soekarnoputri and vice president Hamzah Haz...

"We have passed our moment of competition, now it is time for unity. Our days of words and promises are over, as it is time to do real deeds and works. It is our time to unite in creation".

If good literature reflects mankind's highest ideals, aspirations, words and emotions, then it is fitting that the President's speech be read, studied, memorized, recited and put into practice in all schools and communities throughout the tanah-air (the country) from Sabang to Meraoke. This is the soil upon which true patriotism can flourish, unity may be encouraged, and national progress can grow tall.

DAN ADAMS, Jakarta