Administrative discipline

The end of the assistance agreement between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Indonesian government has raised controversy. The controversy indicates a shift in making a strategic decision in government.

A monetary council, consisting of the finance minister, central bank governor, and industry and trade minister, had approved the Letter of Intent II on international financial aid before it was signed by former president Soeharto on Jan 15, 1998.

Chairman of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), Kwik Kian Gie, said the agreement with the IMF was to end this year and should no longer be extended.

Several ministers however have said the agreement has been extended until 2003.

This has occurred probably due to a communication gap in the government.

It would be very naive if a minister could not communicate with his colleagues, as in the long run, it would damage public interests, including those of the international community.

We should thus be aware of and improve state administrative discipline because it is tied to the interests of many people. -- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta