President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hailed the dawn of a new American era under US president Barack Obama, but warned the newly elect of difficulties ahead. Yudhoyono said Obama had "assumed office at a critical juncture for humanity, a time of enormous challenges but also boundless opportunity". "I will work with him and other world leaders in any way we can to promote enduring peace and progress in our time," he said.
Your comments:
The blame game continues. It's amazing how fast the transformation goes from the "Bung Barry" our-old-chum sentiment to a straight condemnation because Obama hasn't explicitly taken the anti-Israeli side in his speech. I am afraid that Indonesia is in for some much bigger shocks about Obama than this and soon the deeply-emotional liking of Obama (and pride in his Indonesian heritage) will turn into deep disappointment. Read his speech carefully and see.
That common Indonesian people act so emotional and naive is not so surprising. There are positive sides to this too. That their "intellectuals" and "political leaders" have not more wisdom and understanding is very worrying.
That Obama is a friend of the Indonesian people I don't doubt; that he is positive about their society and authorities is less sure.
Dirk Mertens
To Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Barack Obama: Dual Citizenship please: Indonesian/American. If Israel can have it, why can't we?
Hamza Byas
Let's be honest here. Did anybody really expect Obama to mention the recent Gaza tragedy? A great majority of the US Senate support Israel's position. The US seems to be in denial about what's going on in Gaza. Obama represents "change" but not that drastic. But I do give Obama credit for mentioning this in his speech, "...know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy." I hope this applies to the Israelis too.
Arief L.
To Hidayat, stop politicizing the Gaza issue. We are all here to try to give peace a chance, which needs time and process and understanding. Unlike you, who apparently likes to provoke anger. Not all Indonesian people are as narrow-minded as you.
Atmo Saliyo
How come Indonesians debate (more correctly squabble) over Obama who is not our president anyway. Better to debate our own Indonesian problems and issues, which are plenty. Forget about Obama. He will make no difference to us.
Li Haiquan
That's interesting. SBY warning Obama of the difficulties ahead. Maybe you ought to think about all the poor and corrupt people in your country. Honestly, I think Obama's got an easier job than you. Maybe help fix your country's woes!
Kevin C
That Obama did not mention about Gaza is because he has a brain and can think for himself rather than "taking sides". You're not supposed to take sides! You assess everything on merit and fact. Not emotion.
Did Hidayat listen to the part in Obama's inaugural speech when he said "To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect?" The Muslims world is not the "innocent victim" in the breakdown of the relationship, and needs to admit it as much as you want the West to.
Iain
Whilst certain isolated members of the "Muslim world" may not be entirely innocent of committing atrocities, the idea of the collective punishment and murder of an imprisoned and helpless people is not something the world community should impartially stand by and accept. Nor is it something you should attempt to give ground for with your dangerous ideas about collective guilt of the Muslim community.
Frankly, I'm glad Hidayat Nur Wahid has taken a moral stance on the matter. When it comes to genocide and other matters of global humanitarian significance an emotional reaction and a moral judgment are essential. Shame on Israel and shame on anyone who supports their cause!
Toom
Iain, I could not agree more with you. It is time for Indonesia to see things with reason and we should practice what we believe in as our foreign policy.
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