" Havana, ooh na na/Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh na na/He took me back to East Atlanta, na na na/Oh, but my heart is in Havana.” These are the opening lyrics of Camila Cabello’s Havana, a song that pays tribute to her country home of Cuba, which the United States had tried to isolate for more than 50 years to no avail.

Former US president Barack Obama included Havana on his 2017 list of favorite songs. His choice was probably not a coincidence. In December 2014, he and Cuban President Raul Castro jointly announced the normalization of relations between the countries.

Washington cut off its diplomatic ties with Cuba after its legendary leader Fidel Castro nationalized all US companies without any compensation in 1960.

On Thursday local time, Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57, is set to replace Raul Castro, 86, who has decided to step down. Castro himself replaced charismatic brother Fidel in 2006. Fidel died in November 2016.

Miguel will apparently only be a transitional leader. His rise, however, marks an official end to Castro’s political dynasty and the end of an era in which Cuba was led by two brothers, Fidel and Raul Castro, since 1959. How will history remember the two brothers, especially the older one? “Condemn me. It does not matter. History will absolve me,” Fidel once said.
Cuba is officially controlled by the Communist Party, but many Indonesians adore Fidel, who dared to say no to the US until his death. The West condemned Cuba under the Castros from time to time, accusing them of committing gross human rights violations and oppressing people’s basic freedom. But we have to acknowledge the legacy of the Castros.

Cuba survived throughout a long-held US total trade embargo. Its socialist economic system is perceived as a model by many. The world acknowledges Cuba’s amazing achievements in education, health, biotechnology, agriculture and sports. Healthcare services there have been lauded the world over, including by World Health Organization. The Caribbean country has educated thousands of young people from developing countries, helping them to become doctors back home. “Cuba has an extraordinary resource, a system of education which values every boy and every girl,” Obama testified.

Without the Castros at the helm, will Cuba march to a better era? “Cruel leaders are replaced only to have new leaders turn cruel,” said Fidel’s old friend, Che Guevara. Hopefully Cuba proves the legend Che is wrong.

Popular

Indonesian paradox: When business strategy becomes a crime

The new KUHAP: A digital code with an analogue mindset

Indonesia’s bond market now driven by domestic policy, not global sentiment