I WAS THERE

Yesterday, July 5th was a special moment for me. I was fortunate to attend the last day of the presidential campaign at our national stadium, GBK. My husband and I wanted to be present and witness the historical day. It was a mind-blowing experience, never even once I stood in the middle of so many different people from all layers of society. It was not like watching a concert - the feeling was completely different. Seeing all the good intentions on and off the stage was amazing. I can truly tell, there were so much love and genuine supporting Jokowi.

When he showed up on stage, there was no doubt, I was moved by his presence which was truly magnetic. Call me dramatic, but I unconsciously had tears in my eyes. I was sobbing with a mixed bag of emotions. One on side, tears of joy came rushing out of my eyes to know that finally my children will have a chance to have a president that will change their world into a better place. And worriedness, in knowing that if goodness does not prevail, there will be a strong chance of Indonesians living in fear for the next 5 years. 

Though I am only an audience in politics, I have always been super-concerned with its developments. However, I was never interested in the process of our presidential elections, which I'm sure I am not the only one in my generation who feels this way. I was rather skeptical and cynical about politicians and 'leaders' of my country. When once my husband asked me if he could join a political party one-day, I would firmly say “NO”.

I have fear and trust issues with our judicial system, not to mention the many flaws of our law enforcement. Call it prejudice from my end, but our society has shaped my thoughts, and I have always had a negative misconception of the majority of people who serve our nation. From police officers, supreme courts judges to regular civil servants, I have always thought that they view corruption as the norm. 

But I believe that there are still those who stand out in a positive way.  The poppy that stands above all in a savannah of greenery. My late grand mother was one of them.  She was one of the first women Supreme Court judge, and was one of the most respected who fought long and hard against the injustice that was happening in the era of President Soeharto. I saw it with my own eyes. She was frequently terrorized at her very own house for standing up for what is right. I remembered one day that she had a box of dead kittens sent to her. It was horrifying. She often had private investigators and private officers protecting her, following her everywhere she goes. We feared for her safety but she was the bravest woman I have ever known in my life. She was the one who taught me not to lose hope even in the darkest of time. She taught me to fight for what we believe and never give up no matter what the circumstances are.

Now it is finally the time for our generation to payback. Seeing Jokowi in action, allows me to feel that goodness can be restored. That law and justice can prevail in this country the same way they were intended to be and how my grand mother dreamt. I can confidently say that now I have a sense of belonging to this country (it is about time!). For the very first time in my life, I am excited about OUR presidential election.  I am excited about everything, but especially I am excited about the candidates.

For me it is not a hard decision. It is plain and simple. There are only two choices. One candidate with a good heart, and the other one - who I'm not so sure about. The track record does not lie. We know that the technology have made our lives very easy these days to find information and to gather facts about someone. Both have track records, but only one has a long list of achievements that is acknowledged by the world. Not only that, to me his personality and character is truly a resemblance of a true Indonesian. He is kind, undoubtedly intelligent, and extremely polite, always know what he's saying, genuinely loved by the people and my favourite part is, he is a ‘do-er’. He get things done, he make things happen. He does not just talk. He gives us examples, and show us how to do it. He is a living proof of a mental revolution. 

It is now the time for Indonesia to shine. It is now the time that Indonesians can be proud of a leader. There is finally someone that shows this country has hope. We, together, can make that change. It is not the time anymore to be ignorant, if you do not vote, there's a slightest chance your voice will be used against the betterment of us. I pray so hard with my heart and soul for Jokowi to win. We all know, this man is a breath of fresh air. May God bless this nation and bless our future leader. I am proud to experience the last day of Jokowi’s presidential campaign, and one day I will share this story to my children and can proudly say that mama was there. 

Don't forget to vote, next Wednesday on July 9th 2014.

Thank you for reading!