REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- It has been a year ago since Tunisian President, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, announced his resignation on January 14th 2011.  Now the dictator was no longer in power but Tunisia was not democratic yet, Tunisian Ambassador for Indonesia, Mohamed Antar, admitted when he paid a visit to Republika on Thursday.  Our discussion was flowing and intriguing, as he shared his views about the recent situation in his country.

Republika:  Would you like to tell us about the recent situation in Tunisia?

Antar:  Tunisia is special, our revolution has no theory and it is sparked by youth movement. It is also spontaneous and no mastermind behind the action. Now we are in transition process, I am not saying that it is easy. The dictator has gone now but Tunisia is not democratic yet. It is unlike the spareparts which we can replace one part with another. I believe, democracy is a system and culture so it takes a long time to learn.

The recent delicate problems in Tunisia are unemployment and the slowing down economy.  But, we have to rely on ourselves. All this is new for us and I hope Tunisia will keep doing well, we must try hard to succeed. If we succeed, Tunisia will be a good example to Arab world and other countries. But if we fail, it is a big responsibility to us. As I always say, it is easy to destroy something but it is so hard to rebuild it.

Republika:  The Islamist won most of the seats during the first elections after the Arab Spring. How do the people respond that? 

Antar: Islamist come to power for the first time in Tunisia. Yet, to some extent information shared by some media is not supported by the facts. For example, the media says that people are afraid of Islamist. In the fact, the party builds a coalition with other parties. An Nahda is moderate and not an extremist party. 

I do not think Tunisia will proclaim as an Islamic country, since our population consists of Mediterranean people, Arabs, Africans, Muslim including Shiite and Sunni. We are a small population, we do not have tribal nor sectarian conflicts. That’s why the revolution was so smooth.    

Republika: While military plays pivotal role in Egypt, what about in Tunisia?

Antar: No, military does not play into politics. Tunisia is in a transition process. The elected people will seat in a body tasked with writing a new constitution. If you ask the outlook of Tunisian political system, I will say, that never-ever like before. We will limit the power and term of president.   

Republika: What about the prospect of Ben Ali's return to Tunisia?

Antar: Recently he is in Saudi Arabia. I am not sure the Saudi will allow him to be tried in Tunisia.  But I assure you, in Tunisia law is not for revenge. If someone steals money or kill someone, he will be in trial for his misconduct.  

Republika: Then what do you expect from Indonesia?

Antar: I have been in Indonesia for four months only. Both countries have a long history, started before our independence in 1956. Now my job is to develop and improve our ties. Tunisia is quite far from Indonesia then I may prefer focusing on tourism and cultural exchange between both countries. N    

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