"Yes we can", was the uplifting mantra proclaimed by America's new President Elect, Barack Hussein Obama, throughout his election campaign.
This phrase served to encourage people to believe that all obstacles could be overcome; everything we want can be achieved and anything is possible.
Indonesia has a close bond with the president-to-be; the young Barack spent five formative years as a child in Jakarta.
Because Obama's father was from Kenya, president Mwai Kibaki declared Thursday a public holiday to celebrate his election triumph. But skeptics argued that this positive gesture was somewhat shallow, offering nothing of substance other than a day off work.
What could be seen a truly meaningful action by the president of the country where Obama grew up? Is there a significant step that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) can take in acknowledgment of Obama's victory?
It's nearly a year since SBY won praise from the international community for his impassioned efforts to ensure that the UN climate change convention in Bali was a success. He impressively placed Indonesia into the history books for achieving a last-minute breakthrough in what appeared to be impossible-to-resolve negotiations.
Surely it is the issue of climate change on which Indonesia can put flesh on to the bones of its special relationship with Barack Obama.
He will need the help of the more responsible developing countries to convince the American people that the world badly needs his nation to address the serious challenge of global warming.
Indonesia has shown its true commitment to tackling the problem. With the next climate convention less than a month away, this nation is well positioned to become the leading developing world voice on what is without doubt the issue of the 21st century.
Environmentalists are cautiously optimistic that Obama will break the mold set by the Bush administration which had turned its back on the Kyoto agreement.
During his campaign, Obama clearly stated his intentions to engage with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), the main international forum dedicated to addressing the climate problem. He has also promised to create a Global Energy Forum of the world's largest emitters to focus exclusively on global energy and environmental issues.
Being such influential hosts at the UNFCC's Bali meeting last December, Indonesia will go to the next summit in Pozna, Poland on 1st December as a much respected player on the international climate change stage.
This presents a huge opportunity for Indonesia to join hands with the U.S. in galvanizing worldwide efforts to find solutions to this complex problem.
Here is a chance for SBY to be seen as an innovative leader armed with remedies to treat the ills of our world. It is on this vital issue that Indonesia's president can share in Obama's glow.
There's no doubt that Indonesia faces many immediate challenges, not least of which is the ailing economic situation. But climate change is the single most important issue for this nation. Its future depends on a healthy environment. If we do nothing to stop global warming, Indonesia's fresh water will be severely compromised, coastal areas will disappear and we will endure an increasing number of weather calamities.
Here is SBY's opportunity to don some of Obama's glitter. He has shown himself to be a strong leader, often avoiding the temptation to introduce populist measures.
Now is the chance for him to join hands with America's new president to offer younger generations some real hope.
Obama's administration will inevitably care more about the environment and will spearhead global efforts to use cleaner, renewable alternative energy to save the planet from climate change.
Indonesia couldn't be in a better position to play an important role in this charge. With an abundance of geothermal assets, a thriving biofuels industry and a wide range of renewable resources, this nation must use this moment in history to stop global warming.
Surely the Indonesian people will reward SBY at the ballot box next year if he is seen to be a real visionary. In overcoming our looming climate crisis, let's hope this president adopts Obama's inspirational mantra, "Yes we can".
Under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, can Indonesia make a real difference in fighting climate change?
"Yes we can!"
Jonathan Wootliff is an independent sustainable development consultant specializing in the building of productive relationships between companies and NGOs. He can be contacted at jonathan@wootliff.com
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