Another foreign trip

How to get in touch with reality is something our leaders still have to learn to be able to serve the interests of the common people. Is it necessary, for instance, for President Abdurrahman Wahid to press for his delayed trip to Australia while so many people, if not the majority, are having a hard time coping with the raise in fuel prices and transportation costs.

Good relations with foreign investors such as from Japan, which is the second biggest investor in Indonesia after the United States (if I am not wrong) are vital for Indonesia's economic survival, considering our huge foreign debts and budget deficits. However, the general public is not interested in the international commitments of the government. They want to live in a prosperous society where prices of commodities are low and not constantly rising as have been the case in recent times.

The price of kerosene has been raised 30 percent officially, but people in many outlying areas are paying much more. The recent fuel price increase by the government has actually provoked strong protests inside everybody's heart, but the students took the matter to the streets, where they were confronted by armed security personnel. It is sad that when poor people protest, they are suppressed by armed men in the name of law and order.

The government, everybody knows, cannot escape the debt trap and has to mete out harsh economic measures on the public. But it is also justified to ask why this has to be the people's fate after more than 50 years of independence. The specter of electricity and telephone rate hikes is causing more misery and frustration for the people.

The President will go ahead with his foreign trip, despite the situation mentioned above. This time it will be a great sin if he returns empty-handed.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta