Led by Critics

Who is the real leader guiding the Indonesians' faith? It is demonstration, criticism, protest, etc.

Bibit-Chandra would go to jail, unless the massive criticism emerged against the Police Headquarters and AGO.Tempo journalists would be arrested unless the strong criticism appeared from civil society. And recently, the government's real planned tariff hike as much as 39% -101% get lowered to maximum 18% also because of criticism.

Even our previous presidents such as Bung Karno and Pak Harto can only be forced to step down through demonstration. And few days ago I watched on TV that the demonstrator forced the election commission to sign declaration of something as to what they want. We are the third biggest democratic country but we are not civilized in making public decision as if there's no rule of law. The only rule is the power of mass, demontrations and criticism.

Is there any leader in this country has inner power to decide something base on logics and remain persistence to what he/she believe?

It was former Jakarta Governor, Sutiyoso when he insisted to go on the plan of busway despite massive criticism. He could manage any resistance and continue constructing the busway infrastructure. At last some Jakartans realize that busway is a good solution for transportation problem in Jakarta. Now Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo can't maintain the momentum and let the private car and motorcycle fouls the busway system so that it becomes ineffective.

In a similar vein, former vice president Jusuf Kalla (JK) had also shown us the power of will. It was his brilliant brainchild to convert the household energy from kerosene to gas. At that time the problem is scarcity of gas because of the massive shift. JK can handle this quickly and the government could save money of subsidy. Now the government has no leader with the same character of JK. The good idea turns into disaster. The gas canister seems to be bombs sent to every Indonesian's household. It is absolutely only technical problems that can't be addressed well by the government.

Strong leadership as performed by Sutiyoso and JK is what we really need in Indonesia. We need leaders with strong characters to tackle any criticism and demonstration.