Making a small step

Making a small step

If we look at this economic crisis, fundamentally it is about
the rupiah's integrity as a currency. It only takes one rumor for
the rupiah to take another dive. It is sitting on thin ice.
Plainly said, people have lost their trust in the rupiah as a
currency. Maybe it is a reflection of how the Indonesian people
feel toward the government's handling of the situation.

Indonesians (especially urban dwellers) have lost their
national pride in their country. Look around in any mall! Ninety-
nine percent of the merchandise is imported. The food courts
offer mostly hamburgers, steaks, etc. not to mention the cafes.
The same goes for clothing, shoes, and a lot of other things.

Indonesia has become one big community of consumers rather
than producers -- consumers of imported products or services.

Of course, if we not only want to survive this crisis but also
want to succeed in the international market, we need to change
this consumerism attitude to something more positive. We need to
produce products and services that have a lot of added value. We
should stop promoting low-paid labor to attract foreign
investments and start a program in which we can promote skilled
labor in the future. Boosting entrepreneurial skills and making
something from nothing should be our aim rather than competing
for lucrative government projects.

Of course, this cannot be done overnight. But something must
be done to boost the strength of our rupiah. We could follow the
Malaysian example by making all fees and services that are quoted
in dollars, such as hotel rates and office rent, in rupiah -- no
more prices in dollars. It would be a small step, but at least it
would be a step forward.

BOB S. EFFENDI

Jakarta