James Riady and foreign loans

In a relatively short time, Indonesia succeeded in gaining prestige. The first indication of this newly acquired prestige occurred when Indonesia was categorized as a country successful in development, which led to some restrictions being applied in the granting of loans. This was to the people's disadvantage. The second took place when it was reported that an Indonesian tycoon had paid tribute to the leader of a superpower country.

Initially, Indonesia was known as a poor country. Hence, the willingness of certain countries to extend aid. Now that an Indonesian businessman is capable of giving bribes while many Indonesian people are still poor, donor countries may wonder if the channeling of foreign aid to Indonesia is right, because the aid has not brought welfare to the people, but has made the tycoons richer.

The achievement of Indonesia's diplomatic efforts abroad may be measured by James Riady's role. If eventually, the U.S. is willing to sell its fighter planes to Indonesia, the people will think that it is thanks to Riady. On the other hand, if the Nobel committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to the wrong person, it is because there is no James Riady in Norway.

SUKANTO

Jakarta