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