Congratulations Indonesia!

Moving on from my previous post, it’s nice to see that Indonesia has been awarded the Democracy Medal by the International Association of Political Consultants.

I don’t know much about the IAPC or its award, but previous recipients of this prize have included Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi.

And Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono — who with his country is a co-recipient of the award — is fairly beaming with pride...

Although sceptics had claimed Indonesia would splinter or radicalise, “the heart and soul of Indonesia remains moderate and progressive”, Dr Yudhoyono said. “In Indonesia democracy, Islam and modernity go hand in hand.

“Democracy in Indonesia has reached a point of no return,” said the nation’s first directly elected president...

“Indonesia has proved that no matter the size of the population, the difficult geography, ethnic diversity, political complexity or historical background, democracy can come and grow.”

And long may Indonesia continue from strength to strength.