Toward a better Indonesia
Toward a better Indonesia
As Indonesians have executed their voting rights (June 7), the
freest and fairest national elections in 34 year, I think that
the country should be proud of having prominent reformist leaders
like Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party, Megawati
Soekarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and
Abdurrahman Wahid (also known as Gus Dur) of the National
Awakening Party.
They may have their differences and have their own style and
characteristics. However, they have one goal in common, that they
share a vision to build a new better Indonesia based on democracy
and humanity.
Amien is known as the father of reform, who has the courage to
fight the status quo. He is sharp, realistic and energetic. He is
willing to correct his mistakes, improve himself and gets wiser
every day. Amien is a politician who knows what he is doing and
sounds convincing.
Megawati, on the other hand, is quiet and soft spoken. A
motherly figure, who reflects patience and toughness at the same
time. A figure that gives the people a feeling of peace and
security. She is also a symbol of an oppressed group which
struggles for justice.
Gus Dur is a genuine humanist. A Moslem moderate, who stands
for all races, ethnic groups and religions. He may sound
confusing to many people sometimes, however, one thing is clear:
that he consistently advocates nonviolence.
The person who has given much contribution to openness and
transparency, I would say, is Minister of Information Mohammad
Yunus. Press freedom has played a significant role in helping
people find the good, the bad and the truth in this reform era.
President Habibie deserves some credit for this. But the students
who have struggled and sacrificed their lives for the reform are
the most valued. They are the young people who are full of
energy, potential and aspiration. Their awareness of the
country's political and economic situation shows that they care
for the country. The future of Indonesia is laid on their
shoulders. The appreciation should also go to intellectuals who
have been tirelessly expressing their opinions, analyses and
ideas for a reformed and better Indonesia.
The Indonesian Military has always been a part of Indonesian
history. It is people's great expectation that the military will
always be on their side to protect them and maintain security.
JENNY LAURITZ
Jakarta
As Indonesians have executed their voting rights (June 7), the
freest and fairest national elections in 34 year, I think that
the country should be proud of having prominent reformist leaders
like Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party, Megawati
Soekarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and
Abdurrahman Wahid (also known as Gus Dur) of the National
Awakening Party.
They may have their differences and have their own style and
characteristics. However, they have one goal in common, that they
share a vision to build a new better Indonesia based on democracy
and humanity.
Amien is known as the father of reform, who has the courage to
fight the status quo. He is sharp, realistic and energetic. He is
willing to correct his mistakes, improve himself and gets wiser
every day. Amien is a politician who knows what he is doing and
sounds convincing.
Megawati, on the other hand, is quiet and soft spoken. A
motherly figure, who reflects patience and toughness at the same
time. A figure that gives the people a feeling of peace and
security. She is also a symbol of an oppressed group which
struggles for justice.
Gus Dur is a genuine humanist. A Moslem moderate, who stands
for all races, ethnic groups and religions. He may sound
confusing to many people sometimes, however, one thing is clear:
that he consistently advocates nonviolence.
The person who has given much contribution to openness and
transparency, I would say, is Minister of Information Mohammad
Yunus. Press freedom has played a significant role in helping
people find the good, the bad and the truth in this reform era.
President Habibie deserves some credit for this. But the students
who have struggled and sacrificed their lives for the reform are
the most valued. They are the young people who are full of
energy, potential and aspiration. Their awareness of the
country's political and economic situation shows that they care
for the country. The future of Indonesia is laid on their
shoulders. The appreciation should also go to intellectuals who
have been tirelessly expressing their opinions, analyses and
ideas for a reformed and better Indonesia.
The Indonesian Military has always been a part of Indonesian
history. It is people's great expectation that the military will
always be on their side to protect them and maintain security.
JENNY LAURITZ
Jakarta