Here, here, Amien Rais!

Here, here, Amien Rais!

From Merdeka

Being a veteran of the 1945 independence struggle, a former
national businessman, and a new order journalist (1966) as well,
I was proud to read the front page of Merdeka (March 17) which
published a comment from Muhammadiyah general chairman Amien
Rais. He said the New Order has eight positive, but two negative
aspects.

In general, I agree with him. To be fair and honest, under Pak
Harto's leadership over the last 25 years, our country has
witnessed many achievements. Our economy is on an upward trend
and so is the industrial sector. All this has paled the local
import business which is no longer bringing in as many foreign
goods as it used to.

Our financial situation appears to need stiff control, since
national banks are curtailing money expenditures. Our rupiah
appears to be a strong currency in the market and we have reason
for gratitude in all fields because of these accomplishments.

Even Pertamina is no longer one of the state's most important
income earners. Its days of supremacy have been gradually
overshadowed by non-oil exports in the last two decades.

It is, therefore, regrettable that nobody has given education
the right priority. Most of today's children have to curb their
dreams of advanced studies because of the increasing trend of
school fees.

School fees at ITI Serpong, have been set at Rp 25,000 per
subject. Last year the fees were only Rp 16,000 and there are at
least 20 schools. ITI was established by Prof. Habibie.

However, Pak Harto has succeeded in his job as head of state
if we compare the situation with the Old Order era. Then people
had to endure hardship and traveling overseas was a rarity.

Today's generation with money to spare do not need to assume
an imposing attitude, they only have to book a seat on the plane.
It is nothing to be snotty about, in our era of development
traveling overseas is not limited to the rich alone. These days a
noodle seller can also afford a trip to the U.S., Europe, Hong
Kong and so on.

Amien Rais is quite right though, there is a negative side.
This is reflected in corruption, collusion and the social
disparity that continues to grow between the rich who are growing
richer and the poor who are becoming poorer.

H.G. MALIKMASS

Jakarta