Appeal for unity

Since the transfer of the presidency from Soeharto to Habibie and at the present under the administration of Abdurrahman Wahid, the economic recovery of this republic has remained a big question mark. The exchange rate of the rupiah to the U.S. dollar does not come up to our expectations and foreign investors are seemingly reluctant to invest their capital in Indonesia. Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand at present are deemed as more favorable countries for investment, because the stability of politics and security in the three ASEAN countries are conducive to foreign investment and therefore their economic growth is amazing.

When severe economic turmoil hit Thailand in no time it successfully overcame the recession. Indonesia, a big country with a population of more than 200 million, a lot of natural resources and a huge amount of potential resources, should have made a quicker recovery than Thailand and South Korea.

In fact, until now our economy is still lying in a coma and there are no signs that in the near future Indonesia will be able to free itself from the clutches of economic turbulence.

The political leaders should stop their political conflicts and switch the topic of their debates from political issues to efforts to help the economy recover. Such a change of attitude will place them closer to the people, and it will stimulate the spirit and morale of the people in facing the existing crises without differentiating between their respective political backgrounds.

Most Indonesian people, particularly the common people, are bored with the existing uncertain situation and they desire economic recovery.

HASAN BASRI MUCHTAR

Jakarta