Hidden motive
Kwik Kian Gie's insights have appeared in a number of editions of The Jakarta Post and are usually astute and intelligent.
The insight of Jan. 27, however, departs from the usual rational approach. We are made to believe that some sinister, foreign group, most likely the CIA, is working to destabilize Indonesia and is responsible for the continuing slide in the rupiah. This group, he reckons, can manipulate the Indonesian economy, which owes the rest of the world some US$120 billion, with a deposit in Singapore worth $100 million.
We recently witnessed the premier of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, make a spectacle of himself by claiming the Jews were behind an international conspiracy aimed at bringing down the Asian tiger economies.
Both here, and elsewhere in Asia, there are people who would like to target a particular race, nationality or religion for the current economic woes.
Many people have blamed Indonesia's monetary troubles on a minority group disloyal to this country. These sentiments are very dangerous. It is wrong to foment aggressive sentiments directed at foreigners, other nations and minorities who live in this country.
Kwik Kian Gie's latest contribution to "Insight" is guilty of this. One hopes it will not come back to haunt him. I have yet to meet a foreigner working here who would like to see Indonesia destabilized and the suffering that would be an inevitable accompaniment.
The root of economic demise lies in this country's political system which is undemocratic and essentially perpetuates ancient Javanese feudalism. A democratic system needs what is known as trias politica, whereby parliament (the legislative assembly), the government and the judiciary are separate and independent institutions.
In Indonesia, excessive borrowing has benefited those at the top of the pyramid. The nation as a whole must now repay the debts. The absence of accountability for those who have amassed personal fortunes will only perpetuate the lack of political emancipation in Indonesia.
Name and address
known to the editor