Challenging year<\/p>\n
New Year is, in reality, nothing special. New Year becomes
\nspecial when we use it as a moment to review the past (year) and
\nlook to the future.<\/p>\n
We still have abundant work to do in the new year as we have
\nyet to deal properly with problems relating to the economy,
\npolitics, security, social issues and finance, which have existed
\nsince 1997.<\/p>\n
The rupiah has been growing stronger, but on the whole the
\neconomic crisis has not been overcome. Banking performance is
\nstill poor, and the real sector is still lame, while capital
\nflight continues.<\/p>\n
Divestment of the assets belonging to state-owned companies
\nhas been carried out without due care, while errant business
\ntycoons have also not been dealt with properly.<\/p>\n
In the field of politics, politicians have failed to perform
\nprofessionally for the sake of the nation. Members of the
\npolitical elite have been struggling for their own parties. The
\nresult is that corruption, collusion and nepotism are still
\nrampant.<\/p>\n
On security, 2002 was a terrifying year. The Bali blast and
\nbombings in other areas have intimidated us. Peace in Ambon and
\nPoso has yet to be respected satisfactorily, despite the Malino
\npeace deals.<\/p>\n
The situation in Aceh has improved since the Dec. 9 peace
\ndeal, but Papua has become tense again due to the shooting of the
\nwife of a human rights activist.<\/p>\n
Unemployment has also become a crucial problem. In short, we
\nhave to work hard this year. Only consistent government with
\nvision and responsiveness to people's demands will lead us, the
\npeople, to a better life in the future.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/challenging-year-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }