EDITORIAL
Indonesian elections signal positive change

In an era where sectarian violence and the tension between the Muslim world and Western democracies are rising, a hopeful sign has emerged.

Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation and the most populous Muslim nation, appears headed for a successful and democratic transition of power.

Though the vote counting is still going on, President Megawati Sukarnoputri seems to have lost the election to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a former general with a reputation for independence.

Both Megawati and Yudho-yono are known as relatively moderate, secular Muslims.

The election, according to early reports, went smoothly with little violence or confusion. Participation was extraordinary in this, the first direct presidential election in Indonesia's history.

With factionalism, separatism, religious tension and a simmering terrorist movement, Indonesia is hardly without its problems.

But the fact that elections happened after decades of authoritarianism, corruption and crony capitalism is a strong positive signal.

It is imperative that the United States recognize and vigorously reward this movement toward a moderate, democratic, Muslim nation.