National economy concept

National economy concept

From Merdeka

I was impressed when I read a series of articles in Merdeka (Nov. 18 through Nov. 25) written by well-known scholar Kwik Kian Gie, who presented the articles in good language.

One does not necessarily have to be an economic expert to understand the "fundamental economy" presented by Kwik in the beginning of his article. That fundamental economy is none other than "spending must be balanced with income".

What has happened in our (economic) life is the result of our own deeds or actions which are not in congruent with the dictum of the 1945 Constitution. Unfortunately, we are still implementing the civil law and the trade law we inherited from the Dutch colonialist in our "economic development", instead of referring to the 1945 Constitution as its source of jurisdiction.

It is not surprising, therefore, if we now witness the emergence of national capitalists, colonialists and imperialists. This would not be possible if we had implemented the 1945 Constitution consequently.

In the past, the freedom fighters or the national leaders invariably stated that our four long-time enemies were capitalism, colonialism, imperialism and feudalism. They are still around.

Kwik Kian Gie's name will always be remembered in history. The younger generation would be grateful if Kwik could provide them with a "concept of national economic system", which is based on the Pancasila state philosophy and the 1945 Constitution. It will, hopefully, be included in the next State Policy Guidelines.

AP LOLONG

Jakarta