Government needs time for reform

Government needs time for reform

From Media Indonesia

Alarming. That is the right word to describe the present situation in our country. Many riots have occurred in various cities. These are not only alarming to part of our community, but they carry an impact in other countries as well. We have read in the papers that the riots triggered the fall of share prices in the Asia-Pacific market, with the resulting panic selling. The rupiah has also plummeted. It was on the way to recovery but now, with its fall, our economy will probably further deteriorate.

What I want to say is let us think in a global way. What we do in our country has always had a global impact. Riots will always have a negative impact on our national economy. Foreign investors will be worried about investing in Indonesia. This means that the flow of foreign exchange expected from new investments as well as from the planned sale of state-owned companies will be hampered.

Worse, the rupiah will further weaken and inflation will increase. Our economy will stagnate. There will be more layoffs. Ultimately, the little people will increasingly suffer.

Let all competent sides cool down and be introspective, thinking clearly and positively. Has the fight for the people's aspirations been right so far?

In my opinion, what can now be done is to give the opportunity and the time to the government to straighten out the situation. It is not the time to look for scapegoats. The government has stated its readiness to carry out reform. I think it is now the right time for a national dialog before the situation is further aggravated.

WILLAD

Jakarta