In Indonesia, it is very difficult for Chinese or non-Muslim people to become president.

I could never have imagined Barack Obama (who lived in Indonesia for four years) could become president of the superpower country.

President SBY has congratulated the U.S. president-elect. I congratulate Obama too. PRAISCA YUDIANTO

Jakarta

It's about time Indonesia abolished its law allowing only indigenous people to become president. HENRY

Jakarta

Does this mean that someday, it will be possible for a non-Muslim, a Chinese Indonesian or even a mixed/Indo-European to become president? CARL NILSON

Jakarta

Finally, time tells. Congratulations to Obama and Americans. The world looks forward to change, and to Obama to make it happen. He has made the world's dream come true.

He has shown true democracy to everyone in the world.

What we can learn from his effort, is that we should never give up on the things we believe we can do.

Good luck to Obama and Americans. IRFAN

Jakarta

I must admit, this is the first time I have ever felt happy about an election of a president in a nation that I am not a citizen of.

While a U.S. colleague and I cheered in front of a TV at the lab office, I questioned myself "Am I losing my nationality somehow?".

No, I was not. It seems like, as a person living in this big village of nations, the result of the recent U.S. presidential election was such a relief.

A temporary relief from persisting disappointment, watching the media, how our fellow national leader irrelevantly infiltrated and waged war against another nation, while neglecting what should have been prioritized for his own "family".

During the last seconds of the election results, U.S. citizens were also about to feel an irresponsible financial bailout -- a consequence of a leader who mismanaged other peoples money that will also impact the global financial market, particularly economies in nations that are strongly influenced by the U.S. dollar benchmark.

Anyway, I congratulate not only the United States, but all who elected a leader who is truly concerned about and prioritizes the needs of his own citizens, and who are willing to support their leader for positive change.

Congratulations to Barack Obama. SIHAM AFATTA

Jakarta

Obama is in an advantageous position to bridge relations with Southeast Asian countries. People from different parts of the world now trust him more to lead the United States into better relations with other countries.

U.S. Congress must allow him to open up relations with the world. The United States must stop producing weapons of mass destruction and this should begin in Africa and the Middle East. AZMI

Jakarta

Menteng kid -- Nov. 5, Online

Wow ... How fantastic Menteng students are. I am also happy about this news. I hope this news will make everybody happy. I also thank God.

Go Obama Go Obama Go Obama. MARTHA EFFENDY

Jakarta

I am still waiting to exhale. ZAHRA

Jakarta

I am overjoyed by Barrack Obama's victory in the U.S. presidential election. I hope he will be able to fulfill his promises to America and to the world ... and also hope he will always remember he was once "the Menteng kid" and therefore remember Indonesia. ALDA

Jakarta

It is weird that people as intellectual as teachers pushed students to focus on the origin of Obama.

Even Americans apparently care so little about his origin by electing him.

Come on, if you want to educate the younger ones, do it by showing them the essence of an election and their right to choose. Of course a lot of people love Obama, but his wife was right ... we need to look at the substance.

Can Obama really deliver what he has promised, and more importantly, who will benefit from his actions?

After all, he will be the president of the United States. What is good for the U.S. may not be good for Indonesia (as history has shown). DEW

Jakarta

Dew, we understand you are so bitter, but please ... get over it!

Lots of love to you, SD Menteng (Menteng Elementary school) kids! XO

Washington

It's great to see Muslims praying for Christians! It's just too bad that no one in Indonesia can tell me why they like Obama based on anything he stands for.

It's too bad most Americans can't give me any reasons for their support for Obama. Is it just Obamania?

Do you think Obama would support the porn bill? Do you think he wouldn't try to overturn your laws against abortion?

Perhaps these students would be better served by their teachers if they were taught to read and analyze the issues with a critical mind. EL PAPA

Jakarta

I'm glad to see you share our joy. I lived and taught in Makassar last year and I now am in Chicago, my hometown. I hope this presidency brings our countries together more.

I hope these students can see and learn from Obama's character, and that they can come to emulate his love of learning, understanding, community development and justice. SUSAN

Chicago

Thank you to the Menteng school from a grateful U.S.. Your school did a fine job and produced a great leader for The U.S. and the world. BRUCE

Jakarta

Well, I would also like to congratulate Barack Obama. I hope SBY has a good relationship with him. NATALIA HARTANTO

Jakarta

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