On scratching the IMF<\/p>\n
This is in response to Mr. Hubert Neiss's letter IMF is not
\ninterfering in RI of June 22, 1999. As a mere writer, I feel
\nhonored that a man of his caliber would spend his precious time
\nto comment on what I wrote.<\/p>\n
The point of my article was aimed more at reminding our
\nleaders of the shameful conditions, rather than criticizing the
\nIMF. The term \"shameful\" may be aggravating to you, but it is
\njust a matter of style, to put smiles on my readers' faces. So,
\nplease, relax. All I wanted to say was if this country was run
\nproperly in the first place, we wouldn't have to turn to the IMF
\nevery time we take a breath.<\/p>\n
Neiss was absolutely right when he said that \"a friend in
\nneed\" should agree on terms proposed by the lending party. But
\ncome on, think of how that friend will feel if you keep pestering
\nhim in a belittling attitude?<\/p>\n
I still can't forget the scene where Mr. Michel Camdessus
\nstood with arms folded, while in front of him an old man bowed to
\nsign papers agreeing to terms stipulated by the Indonesian
\ngovernment and the IMF. Where I come from, this standing style
\nshows superiority and arrogance. Why couldn't he just stand
\ncasually? For your information, Mr. Neiss, that old man in front
\nof Camdessus was our president, the number one leader of this
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
It is undeniable that the 10 billion dollar loan received from
\nthe IMF has helped Indonesia regain it's composure, although, at
\nthe same time, adding to the already enormous debt. But it
\ncertainly does not make me happy, as it is not a free gift. Our
\nchildren, grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren who do not
\nknow anything about it will have to pay back the formidable
\namount, plus interest. And to think that part of the money goes
\nback to the lending countries, at an unbelievable rate, through
\nthe extraordinarily high paid consultants the government has to
\nhire again, as part of IMF's requirements. This, too, is a burden
\nof the future generation.<\/p>\n
If you were in my shoes, Mr. Neiss, you would feel the same.
\nAnd I will never relax (as you suggested) unless the IMF comes up
\nwith the news that the enormous debt is written off. Meanwhile,
\nI'll keep scratching the part that is itchy, not the part IMF
\nrecommends. Capisce?<\/p>\n
CARL CHAIRUL<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/on-scratching-the-imf-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }