The emergence of General Gatot Nurmantyo in the race for the presidency and vice-presidency is heating up the temperature of Indonesia's politics. He could well be an alternative to incumbent President Joko Widodo and his long-time challenger Prabowo Subianto. But Gatot's arrival will not be enough to resolve the democratic stagnation caused by a lack of ideas and leaders who can truly inspire.

General Gatot, who retired at the end of March, is be