To the President, congratulations!

To the President, congratulations!

From Media Indonesia

On behalf of the co-members of the Movement for Justice and National Unity (GKPB) I congratulate Abdurrahman Wahid on his election as President in the 1999 General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). In our opinion the presidential election took place in a democratic and transparent way, and in brotherly spirit.

You are right and you touched our hearts when you said that the result of the election was a second independence for the Indonesian nation. It is only proper on this occasion to praise the attitude shown by Megawati Soekarnoputri, who showed a spirit of togetherness and fairness.

In a situation where many sides are worried about an excessive process of power sharing, you and Megawati have set an example that is refreshing, and is a valuable asset for the growth of political civilization in Indonesia.

Your government will face serious tests in the future, from antidemocracy forces and corruption networks who do not relish a democratic government, as well as from democratic forces which will exercise control and become the opposition, in good faith to the government.

We trust that your statesmanship, although you occasionally express ideas that are difficult to digest immediately, will bring good things and will be able to raise the quality of the nation's political life.

Good luck and may God be with us all.

SARWONO KUSUMAATMADJA

GKPB National Coordinator