Salad days; when we were green in judgment

Thoughts are ruthless prejudices, sometimes brute, and incomplete- but when thoughts are collected and become ideas, they become more powerful. Today I discovered a passionate soul with the will to force Indonesia to become "better" - eradicated of misery from past errors of corrupted in-charges. An intelligent future leader- who vows to "serve" motherland and live the rest of his life in peace, knowing that he has contributed toward tomorrow's Indonesia.

"My salad days, when I was green in judgment." - taken from Shakespeare's Anthony and Cleopatra, 1606.

I believe that my friend meant every word of it. If I could get past my synicism of how the world plays tricks on idealistic minds, I would even bet he'll keep his words and become a leader who acts and deliver results. Hard, concrete results, for my beloved country. Sadly, I've become familiar with the ability of power to corrupt the minds of beautifully devoted people who Indonesia is of desperate need.

I'm a devotee. I've planned the course of my life to be spent here, and though I've ruled out the possibility of becoming a civil servant, one of my greatest wish is to witness my country thrive. I grit at my fellow Indonesian students who have spent valuable time studying abroad who eventually stay abroad due to the near inexistant field of their studies in Indonesia. I do not judge them, but I sure wish things were different.

For an ex-diplomat's daughter, having lived to see other nations' thoughts on Indonesia hands-0n, I have to say that it would take lots of courage to heave this country out of the current mess. The many Indonesian youngsters who think and say that there could be no way out of this multi-dimensional crisis are only burnt out on hope. Personally, I believe that they are holding their belief deep down that one day there would be an Indonesian Alberto Fujimori and re-ignite the heroic fire within.

Indonesia needs our trust. Be it that time and power will corrupt the thoughts of my said friend and millions of other Indonesian youngsters, there would always be somebody who holds dear onto hope of a better future. Someone young, intelligent, and ruthless... Someone that would always remind Indonesians to make that extra effort and make her thrive.

Happy 63rd birthday, my Indonesia. Merdeka!