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illions of Indonesians in Jakarta and across the country held a merry festival to welcome their new President Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla.

Never underestimate the people'€™s power. They know very well that the pair will not be able to fix the country'€™s problems instantly, but they strongly believe in one thing: Jokowi is a man they can trust to lead them over the next five years.

People from all walks of life and various socio-economic levels thronged the main streets in Jakarta to glimpse the former Surakarta mayor and Jakarta governor. They jostled to shake hands with the seventh president. They wanted to see Jokowi enter the Presidential Palace.

Jokowi and Kalla have a strong mandate and trust from the people. The public is particularly banking on Jokowi'€™s track record in the fight to eradicate corruption and poverty and overcome urgent problems such as poor infrastructure and unemployment.

The people, including those who did not vote for him in the July 9 election, see big hope in the face of Jokowi, a leader who always pays atention and listens to their aspirations and grievances. We can say that almost all Indonesian leaders at all levels like to have their voices heard by their people, but they are very reluctant to use their own ears to absorb what ordinary citizens need.

Indonesians fully realize that stagnant economic growth, mounting fuel subsidies, strong dependence on fuel imports and sizable unemployment requires a long period to settle, but they have lost their patience due to rampant corruption, poor law enforcement and the collusion of politicians and government officials.

People are fed up with the absence of public services. They have lost access to health and education to greedy bureaucrats and power holders.

The peaceful festivals and parties in Jakarta once again were undisputed evidence that Indonesians are ready for democracy. They are mature enough to excercise their rights to directly elect their leaders both at national and regional levels.

In his inauguration speech, the new President made it very clear that he wanted the government'€™s presence to be felt by Indonesians in all parts of the country.

The people look impressed with his sincerity and honesty in communicating with them. They appreciate Jokowi'€™s attentive attitude that he displays when they go to him and convey their messages.

Some say Jokowi'€™s honeymoon as President will be very short, because both the people and the opposition are already impatient for real improvements in the country.

Jokowi should be able to convincingly prove to the nation that he is the right person for the job of '€œcaptain'€ of the '€œIndonesian ship'€. Jokowi will not be able to work alone and he will soon announce his Cabinet. Nevertheless, the President has very strong working capital in the form of strong trust from the nation.

As long as he does not betray his people, as the elite has often done, Indonesians throughout the archipelago will not allow Jokowi'€™s political opponents to disrupt his administration.