Cars for ASEAN summit

I noticed with interest that some 200 luxury cars have been imported for use by guests attending the ASEAN summit. It seems that whenever there is an international conference such as the Non-aligned Movement summit, or the APEC summit, it is necessary to import large numbers of luxury vehicles without regard to the normal import regulations. It also seems that at such times the police are under special orders to keep the streets clear of beggars, peddlers and other riff-raff who might intrude disagreeably into the cocoon of the comfort surrounding delegates.

It also seems that such conferences invariably feature many fine words about the importance of development, and especially the need for development to benefit the poor and under-privileged members of the community. Yet, ironically, extraordinary measures are taken to ensure that delegates do not have to see, hear or smell anything of the ordinary citizens, whose lives it is their job to improve.

JOHN HARGREAVES

Jakarta