Changing moods<\/p>\n
I find that we Indonesians are very receptive to new ideas,
\nmovements, etc. We quickly accept them, only to forget them in a
\nshort time. For example, everybody was very enthusiastic about
\nthe national discipline movement. Articles appeared in daily
\nnewspapers and cadres wearing orange jackets directed traffic.
\nBut not long afterward, things went back to their old ways: buses
\nstopped in inappropriate places, pedestrians ignored zebra
\ncrossings and crossed the streets at will.<\/p>\n
During the "love rupiah drive" important figures invited the
\nmedia to witness them selling their dollars. But their motives
\nbehind this dollar selling was personal and commercial. When the
\nrupiah strengthens they can buy back their dollars.<\/p>\n
People appeared to wholeheartedly donate their small
\npossessions of gold in answer to the call by the government in
\nits endeavor to solve the monetary and economic crisis. We do not
\nknow how many kilos of gold were collected and where it is now
\nand what the government intends to do with the gold. The
\ngovernment has been far from transparent in this case. But we
\nhave the right to know.<\/p>\n
Speaking of reform movements, university students, through
\ndemonstrations, succeeded in changing our national history.
\nUnfortunately demonstrations go on and on, and in some places
\nviolence persists. Such a phenomenon can easily be manipulated by
\nirresponsible elements to their benefit, hoping that the
\npopulation will blame the students for resorting to violence.
\nWhy don't they stick to basic things, and avoid unruly action
\nwhich only makes the situation worse?<\/p>\n
The problem now is how to create stability. Everybody should
\ncalm down and go back to work and help solve the food problem. A
\nhungry man is a dangerous man. The government on its part can
\nperhaps borrow interest-free money from domestic foundations
\n(more than 50 in number) controlled by the ex-first family.
\nBustanil Arifin (former chief of the State Logistics Agency)
\nstated in public that he had trillions of rupiah under his
\ncontrol. And former vice president Soedharmono did the same. Also
\nthe National Foster Parents Movement is a rich body. I recall
\nSoeharto once said that he was prepared to sacrifice his life if
\nnecessary for the country, let alone money. There is also always
\nthe profit earned by state companies.<\/p>\n
I have the impression that the IMF is not very serious in
\nhelping Indonesia. In fact, we would not need the IMF's loan if
\nthe government could manage to use the domestic resources as
\nmentioned above.<\/p>\n
Let each and everyone of us help in solving the crisis, at
\nleast by helping to maintain law and order to create a conducive
\nworking atmosphere.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/changing-moods-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }