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