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