Humans helping humans

What our high ranking officials say or do has a profound effect on the community. That's why we have to be careful in what we say or do, because it can cause confusion in the community.

Let us see what I found in the newspapers regarding the 50 points in a letter of intent signed by the President on Jan. 15.

Fischer, from the IMF, indicated that there would be no compromise regarding the 50 points as conditions for the US$43 billion aid to Indonesia. It is not our job to compromise (Suara Pembaruan, March 21). What is Indonesia planning to do? So far, Indonesian statements have been confusing.

Kompas, March 19, page 1. According to B.J. Habibie, Indonesia was ready to implement the reforms and would gladly follow the reforms as asked by the IMF, from a constructive point of view.

The Jakarta Post, March 20, page 1. B.J. Habibie said to senior Japanese policymakers that the Indonesian economy would improve substantially if the country abided by all 50 points. Meanwhile, Habibie also said that although Indonesia wants to stick to the 50-point deal agreed to with the IMF, some parts could be unconstitutional.

In his meeting with Liberal Democratic Party chief policymaker Yamasaki on March 18 in Jakarta, Habibie said that Jakarta could only implement 48 of the 50 points, because it was difficult to abolish monopolies on spices and other agricultural products.

Angkatan Bersenjata, March 20, page 1, reported that Indonesia intended to implement the IMF agreement. On the same day, Merdeka also reported the same intention to fully implement all 50 points. But one week before, the Vice President said that it was necessary to renegotiate eight out of the 50 points and there were two other points difficult for Indonesia to implement.

Jiji Press Japan reported that in his meeting with members of parliament from the LDP, Habibie was again firm in his statement, insofar that Indonesia would abide by all that was agreed with the IMF.

What really is the Indonesian position? Very confusing.

On the currency board system (CBS), Kompas, March 21, reported that Minister of Finance Fuad Bawazier said the CBS had been canceled because foreign exchange reserves were not enough. But on another occasion, the same minister said there had been no decision on whether to implement the currency board.

As for the Japanese position, Japan is very eager to help. Japan's finance minister, Hikaru Matsunaga, said that Japan's financial aid would be connected to the reform supported by the IMF. It was very important for Indonesia to implement the IMF program. Foreign minister Obuchi said that as soon as the IMF plan was implemented Japan would be ready to help.

And on aid from other countries, Suara Pembaruan, March 21, reported that America would soon announce a $25 million food aid package that would, hopefully, start in July this year. The World Bank would coordinate humanitarian aid to Indonesia. This was revealed by Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer. Australia, the U.S., Japan and countries from the European Union would all take part.

The amount of this aid package is very substantial and this aid has no connection whatsoever with the outcome of the talks between IMF and Jakarta.

It is very touching that the international community is very concerned about the fate of Indonesia and translate their worries into real help. Gone are the differences in political systems, religion and culture. What is left is humans helping humans.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta