Well done, Indonesia
Well done, Indonesia
What a turbulent period Indonesia had to undergo in the last
two and a half years! And what a sigh of relief now!
The succession of events in the recent past proves that there
is indeed a divine force that guides us all. At long last, a new
era has dawned in Indonesia. It's a time to celebrate and also to
pray. Hearty congratulations to one and all.
If I may, I'd like to single out one person in the outgoing
Cabinet, the minister of information, whose contribution, all
along, was extremely positive and helpful. He truly broke new
ground in allowing total press freedom in a fledgling democracy.
Democracy is a simple concept. It is the politicians who tend
to complicate it. Politics should really mean "not playing
politics". The ruler in a democratic set up is the servant of the
people, not the master. In many instances, ordinary people are
faulted for their lack of political education. More often than
not, they know what is best for them.
Life is about hope. Hope is a powerful positive energy in all
our endeavors. Ordinary people live only on hope. They don't know
any political or economic theories -- rather, they don't have to
know. If they are taught, they may become as confused as we all
are.
People trust a leader and express their trust, for a period of
time, via the ballot box. It is for the leaders to be worthy of
the people's trust. Otherwise, there would be no followers.
Effective leadership depends on performance. If leaders fail,
people must have the freedom and opportunity to change the
rulers.
It's true that democracy, like everything else in this world,
is not perfect. It has its own share of deficiencies. At times,
it can become a "mobocracy" or worse still, a "democrazy".
Practicing and improving on democracy and its institutions is a
never ending process, and this is so, even for advanced western
countries. However, we must accept that at this stage of human's
evolution, there is no better alternative form of government.
For Indonesia, is this a happy ending? In a way, yes. But more
importantly, it is a happy beginning. The real journey starts
now.
It may be wise to leave the past behind and focus on the
future, with courage and confidence. While writing this, I'm
reminded of a sign, that I used to read in the Indian Railway
compartments: "Less luggage, more comfort, make travel a
pleasure."
D. CHANDRAMOULI
Jakarta