On Wednesday, a great many Indonesians really did vote with their hearts. It was heart-warming to see the enthusiasm many voters displayed as they flocked to the voting stations, as was the obvious dedication of all who, in spite of lack of sleep and tiredness, were in charge of those stations.
When the results at our polling station in the heart of Bogor became apparent, my neighbor, who was also present, looked at all those around her and said, grinning: "Well, it's nice to know where our neighborhood's sympathies lie!"
What we, Indonesians who did vote, now would like to advise those who won, is: an enormous trust has been placed in you, enormous power has been granted you. Please use it wisely.
Protect the weak and downtrodden, and demonstrate real care for the common people, the Rakyat. Be swift and courageous in meting out just and severe retribution to those who, by their words and actions, endanger the Constitution that our founding fathers fought so hard to establish.
And I believe I also speak for fellow Indonesians (most of whom are deathly tired of self-serving, arrogant behavior some politicians display!!) when I ask those parties who lost to accept their defeat in a gracious and mature manner, and really go all-out in wholeheartedly assisting the winners to build a better Indonesia.
And start this mature behavior by warmly and sincerely congratulating the winners! Or is that too much to ask?
Tami Koestomo
Bogor, West Java
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