Hidden motive

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