Managing monetary crisis

Managing monetary crisis

From Media Indonesia

Of late, the print and electronic media have been carrying polemics on how to find the right solution to the prolonged monetary crisis. Of all the ideas expressed, the most interesting is one about a national dialog of sorts. Many people are likely to ask questions like: What form will this national dialog assume? Who will be invited to participate in it? Or, what ideas will be offered in such a dialog?

Those initiating this national dialog feel sure that such talks would be the best way to find a solution to the monetary crisis. However, now when everything seems to be sensitive, it would be best to refrain from anything which may aggravate the situation. We also have to avoid anything which may lead to a conflict of interests on the part of the community, for example with the promise of a better future for the country and the people.

Would a national dialog and the like guarantee that our country would recover from the monetary crisis? Isn't it possible that such a dialog would only complicate existing problems? Therefore, we'd be better off reflecting and promising ourselves to do our own jobs properly. Let us not fall into the habit of looking for scapegoats.

This year the Republic of Indonesia will celebrate its 53rd anniversary. The republic is relatively young considering the rapid population growth and economic development. Understandably, there will always be satisfaction and dissatisfaction among its people.

In our state system, the existence of any institution pursuant to the 1945 Constitution is always upheld, especially the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the House of Representatives (DPR). These institutions must be allowed to function to the optimum to accommodate people's aspirations and to find solutions to problems affecting the state and the people.

Fairly rapid development in the country could improve the quality of human resources. People would be more critical in the face of all forms of transformation. Those holding power must be more transparent in their policies and be willing to institute a clean government with authority. In this way, the crisis of confidence in the government will disappear.

Businesspeople must not be concerned with their own welfare and safety. They must realize that they have become wealthy because of what they have taken from the motherland. Therefore, the fruits of their business undertakings must be shared with fellow countrymen. There is no need to raise the issue of whether or not someone is indigenous. The most important thing is how to manifest one's sense of nationalism.

JOES PRANANTO

Jakarta