Economic problem

I am deeply concerned over the ailing economy in our country. We fully realized that since the crisis happened we have a lot of problems. The 60 percent interest rate offered by banks in Indonesia is making businesses crippled and bankrupt.

The massive riots in Jakarta recently have worsened our economy. Today the rupiah has fallen to Rp 15,000 against the U.S. dollar, which means the burden of common people, like me, becomes heavier and heavier. Moreover, increasing unemployment, price hikes, the prolonged of economic turmoil, daily demonstrations and the bankruptcy of some banks/businesses have resulted in instability in the country, both economically and politically. To solve this difficult problem we need a lot of money. In this context I would like to make some suggestions as follows:

* Create stability in the country and stop all kinds of demonstrations. This will attract investors to Indonesia.

* Block the money illegally procured and saved abroad.

* Investigate the wealth of Soeharto's family and that of high-ranking officials.

* Distribute staple foodstuffs (known in Indonesian as sembako) in every district and sub-district and sell them at reasonable prices.

* Prohibit any Indonesian from buying dollars without reasonable reason.

* We have some 17,000 islands and 200 million people. Rent one small island to Singapore or other country.

SUTRISNO

Bogor, West Java