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