Legal certainty enables a stable economy

It is interesting to ponder the recent statement made by Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry, Kwik Kian Gie, that the coming days before the slated signing of a new Letter of Intent with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Jan. 20 would be of critical importance to Indonesia. In the coming week, Indonesians must show that they can establish a climate of legal certainty and that their country is really stable.

The minister did not specifically mention the factor of legal certainty, but this is a major factor when investors decide whether or not to invest their money in Indonesia.

This is why we must urge the government to take stern action against any people who violate the law in any way in this country. It is time that the government seriously put an end to corruption, collusion and nepotism by strictly enforcing the law, regardless of the person.

Minister Kwik Kian Gie's statement is an important reminder for us in this time of transparence. On the other hand, it can also be counterproductive and lead to panic. This is why it is important for all of us to understand the conditions that prevail in our society.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta