Corruption must be halted

We have to admit that Indonesia is now in a very difficult economic situation. We also have to admit that this situation has been mostly caused by corruption.

So to improve the situation, we must fight corruption. But how?

At the higher level of bureaucracy, one practices corruption to enrich oneself. At lower levels, it becomes a way of life as the salaries of employees are insufficient to live on, so they resort to corruption for survival.

During president Sukarno's reign people also suffered because there was little food and clothing, and jobs were scarce. However, Dewi, one of Sukarno's wives, could be counted as one of the richest women in the world. Needless to say that the largest chunk of her wealth, if not all, came from Indonesia. While pain, suffering, hunger and other miseries prevailed among the common people, there were groups of people who would enrich themselves.

During president Soeharto's era, we witnessed a lot of improvement as far as the people's welfare was concerned, although much still could be done and changes made for the better.

The unfortunate thing now is that our foreign debt is piling up. Even unborn babies have been burdened with loans that they will have to pay back.

After 53 years in self-government (with many wrongdoings, I am afraid) we should make great efforts to find the best solution to the ailing economy and lighten the people's suffering.

EDWARD N.H. ABRAHAM

Jakarta