Farce by political elite

Farce by political elite

From Rakyat Merdeka

History repeats itself. The people are still mired in misery. Daily commodities have steadily risen in price. Some basic necessities, such as milk and soap, are subject to a high rate of tax as they are considered luxury goods. The price of fuel will again be raised. Meanwhile, the price of unhusked rice has dropped and the rupiah's exchange rate against the United States dollar has likewise slid down to some Rp 10,000 to the dollar.

Uncertainty plagues the industrial sector as foreign investors seem to have lost their confidence in this country. The IMF, the "merciful god" that the government has come to rely on so much, is reluctant to extend any more loans to Indonesia.

Recently, the people have been forced to watch the farce being played out by the political elite, while a desperate government slowly loses its legitimacy.

AGUS HERDYANO

Jakarta