Challenging year

Challenging year

New Year is, in reality, nothing special. New Year becomes
special when we use it as a moment to review the past (year) and
look to the future.

We still have abundant work to do in the new year as we have
yet to deal properly with problems relating to the economy,
politics, security, social issues and finance, which have existed
since 1997.

The rupiah has been growing stronger, but on the whole the
economic crisis has not been overcome. Banking performance is
still poor, and the real sector is still lame, while capital
flight continues.

Divestment of the assets belonging to state-owned companies
has been carried out without due care, while errant business
tycoons have also not been dealt with properly.

In the field of politics, politicians have failed to perform
professionally for the sake of the nation. Members of the
political elite have been struggling for their own parties. The
result is that corruption, collusion and nepotism are still
rampant.

On security, 2002 was a terrifying year. The Bali blast and
bombings in other areas have intimidated us. Peace in Ambon and
Poso has yet to be respected satisfactorily, despite the Malino
peace deals.

The situation in Aceh has improved since the Dec. 9 peace
deal, but Papua has become tense again due to the shooting of the
wife of a human rights activist.

Unemployment has also become a crucial problem. In short, we
have to work hard this year. Only consistent government with
vision and responsiveness to people's demands will lead us, the
people, to a better life in the future.

-- Republika, Jakarta