CHANGE

Jan 20, 2009 is going to be an important date in American history; another stepping stone in the quest of human equality, excellence, hope and change. Much hype has been written about the new US administration, about the message of hope and change that so many people like to hear in the midst of failing global economy and bleak future. Nothing less than greatness is expected from this one man, the 44th US President Barack Obama.

2009 is also the year where Indonesia is heading into the polls for a new government and a new president. While we are still high on the wind of change, I wonder on what cues we can take from our new symbol of change, in order to have some serious changes on our own. Indonesia is in dire need of changes.

One of the things that was heard constantly on the campaign trail and was mentioned in the Inaugural address, was the notion of acknowledging current challenges and failures of the past. To be honest about past mistakes is never going to be easy because of the possible finger pointing, dodging responsibilities and plenty of scapegoating. However, this is not about a person, or an organisation, but a collective willingness to admit mishaps of the past in order to move forward.

In the case of Indonesia, it is to put a stop in blaming current problems of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement of the country on the Soeharto-era, and start realising the challenges facing the nation internally and externally. In the 30 years of Soeharto's rule, there was a vision of "developing Indonesia" that was made known to the people. Now, we hear random thoughts of certain people on how Indonesia should be, but all without coherence. The ways in which he did it might be objectable, from the 'brain-washing' style of moral education and history lesson in schools, to the eradication of creative expressions, to the formation of government driven grass-root farmers groups, but all of them signified a clear direction. It helped that he ruled with iron fists so that for 30 years, Indonesians were living under the guise of "Indonesian democracy". These mistakes are to be known, to be learned, to be forgiven but not to be forgotten.

The other interesting point that was made during Obama's address was about the need for new infrastructure that has old values, good old values of hard work, integrity, faith, opportunity. These old values represents America; they are the reasons why people see it as a land of hope, a new world.

Similarly, Indonesians can revisit the essence of Pancasila as a foundation of the nation. The 5 principles embody notions of religous belief and tolerance, humanity, unity, democracy and social justice. Maybe it is time to go back to the basics and ask these very questions when faced with the hard decisions. When it comes to the question of privatization of the state water company, "Will the result be just for all the people?" When it comes to the question of the destruction of F&B establishments during the fasting month, "Are these people prepresents religious tolerance?" When it comes to the question of electing a female government official, "Does her appointment reflect democratic process?"

We need to start asking real questions to contribute to the development of the nation. We also need to do it collectively. This election year is another learning process in the long road of Indonesian democracy, but just like a new history has been written on the form of America's first black president. Indonesia can do the same thing, too. A new history can be written where Indonesia is lead by a common purpose striving for a stronger nation.