Editorial: Indonesia Is Facing a Very Important Year
Now is the time to look forward following a year of important cases.
2013's highlights include top state officials being brought before the antigraft commission on bribery charges, allegations of Australia wiretapping President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and a weakening of the rupiah that threatened the economy.
This year could be even more meaningful. Yudhoyono ends his second five-year term — a unique achievement in the post-Suharto era.
Whoever becomes president will have to contend with a multitude of issues: religious harmony, terrorism, economic growth, trade policies, education and social welfare, among others.
The nation's youth are likely to have a strong say on who they want as president. About 40 million voters aged 17 to 30 will be participating in this year's presidential and legislative elections. Of that amount, an estimated 14 million will be handing in their ballots for the first time.
Just ask Alanda Kariza, the 22-year-old founder of the Indonesian Youth Conference. She hopes that a "young, spirited figure" will be elected to represent her generation.
Many voters are clamoring for Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo, 52, to run as president on the premise that a government of the people for the people will serve the nation well. But whether Joko will run remains to be seen.
Another major development was the implementation of the Social Security Organizing Body (BPJS) to provide universal health care to all Indonesians. The true effect of this is not yet clear but it is at least a step in the right direction.
Fighting corruption will remain a central issue. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was successful in nabbing crooked politicians last year, but the next step will be bringing them to trial.
At stake is the reputation of the country, as well as that of the government.
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