Megawati's medical checkup

The meeting between the President and the country's political elite, scheduled for July 7, 2001, has been postponed to July 9 due to Megawati Soekarnoputri's medical checkup in Singapore on July 7 and July 8.

I was shocked by this news and hoped it was not true, because it raises the question: "Are our own hospitals and doctors incompetent?" Except for certain examinations that require special equipment and expertise, I think our doctors are quite capable of conducting a general medical checkup.

It is wiser for our leaders to set an example by having their medical checkups done domestically. This is not about being nationalistic, but about appreciating the capability of our hospitals and doctors.

Believe me, there are many world renowned Indonesian doctors. That's why, I hope the news report about Megawati above is not true.

AMIR KARAMOY

Jakarta