Left behind

Left behind

Among the three Asian countries who have suffered the most from the economic crisis, only Indonesia remains in deep trouble. The other two, Thailand and South Korea, have already begun to enjoy a significant revival of their respective economies. Thailand has been able to announce their readiness to end their reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). South Korea's economy, too, is scoring significant growth -- of around 4 percent -- while its foreign exchange reserves had, as of the end of July, grown to around US$60 billion. Only a year before its GDP growth was estimated at between 0 and 1 percent.

Why are we doing so badly? This question is easy enough to answer. The fact that no speedy end can be seen to the Bank Bali scandal, developments in East Timor and the chaotic political situation that prevails in this country as its approaches the presidential elections are parts of that answer. It is true that Thailand is still not entirely out of its troubles. However, at least Thais can now see the light at the end of the tunnel, which is why they have dared to decide not to use the remaining $3.2 billion of the IMF aid package totaling $17.2 billion. So, it is time for us to start to seriously think about the fate of our country.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta