Anticipating a global recession

So far, the Megawati cabinet has failed to announce any particular strategy to deal with a looming global economic recession. No signal has been given either on how the government intends to revitalize the domestic market. Its energy still seems to be focused on the problem of debt and how to bridge the gaping budget deficit, as well as the trend toward a weakening rupiah.

However, it is advisable for the government to devote some of its energy to getting the real sector in shape while at the same time improving law enforcement and maintaining public order. Our natural resources in agriculture, the maritime area, forestry and mining hold quite significant potential. We need some breakthroughs and more daring efforts in order to benefit from them.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta