O

ver the years, I have watched with delight Indonesia's transition to a politically active and responsive democracy.

The recent elections, however, revealed a risk of reversion to the old ways, when 45 million did not use their rights. Of great interest is the jockeying for the position of lead horse. The people I talked to during my travels in Java were very uneasy that the old cronies are rising again like swamp gas.

They felt they had the choice between the inept, the corrupt, the self interested and the empty. As the candidates smile and pose for the press some questions also need to be raised about suitability for President of the candidates.

Indonesia's two top positions require engaging in wide-ranging travel and consultation particularly with key allies. This is a time of great challenge with wider global demands.

The top men or women need to be incisive, responsive and intellectually honest. The times require bigger candidates than one motivated by self interest. Indonesia has had enough of that and has been struggling to regain its dignity after an ignominious past.