The Opacity of Hope

 

The long race has ended. American have casted their voices. Yep, Obama has been elected as the first black US president ever. Overwhelming joy can be found all over the world, especially here in Indonesia where he spent his childhood.

Many pinning high hope on Obama to improve the world. Indonesians too, considering his close bond to Indonesia. People around the world hope that Obama would bring new approach in US foreign policy. Not like the hawkish style of prior administration which has been acting like ‘World Police”.

The question is, what effect would Obama bring to Indonesia. Honestly, i have no idea. I don’t want to let sentimental things compromise rationality.

Yes, Obama has a nostalgic kinship with Indonesia. His step father is Indonesian. His step sister also was born here. Even some says, he still speaks Indonesian.

But Obama is still Obama. He is undoubtedly a product of US political system. Indeed, he is a US patriot. He would see things from US perspective. Whatever steps he would take, US interest must be secured first. Especially in time like this, where US is facing economic dismal. He is bound to restore US as a super power nation.

So, loose your hope. What Indonesians should do is take Obama as inspiration to strecth ourselves even beyond what we can dream of. I do believe God won’t change our fate untill we change ours by ourselves.