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