Nation's assets not for lease

Nation's assets not for lease

From Merdeka

I was astounded to hear media reports that an academic from the Bandung Institute of Technology had proposed that Natuna and Biak islands be leased out for 50 years to the United States for their naval base and that the proposal would later be discussed by the Indonesian Association of Engineers (PII) and the Indonesian Association of Economists (ISEI).

I would not have been shocked if the proposal had come from a mere layman, but it was suggested by a professor. In this case, why are only the financial and security aspects taken into account? Is it true that we will enjoy security in the presence of foreign armed forces in our own country? Don't people see that leasing out our islands to another country will just cause trouble for us?

We may experience the following:

1. Cultural infiltration;

2. Harassment (such as occurred in Okinawa);

3. Loss of dignity.

Mere introduction of such a proposal already means losing your self-respect or national pride. Our present university graduates, the products of the New Order, may believe in the principle of "Politics - No; Economy - Yes". They simply do not know which should get priority. Well, why not an even more extreme proposal then to lease out this republic.

It would be nice to be colonized by the United States, wouldn't it? Everything would be taken care of; food and security will be guaranteed. There will no longer be any clashes or conflicts. We can just be compliant and resigned.

You all have been too materialistically comfortable all these years. Try to fight. During this monetary crisis, lead a more modest life. Today is the age of our World War III. Yet it is not a war fought with guns, but one of economics.

Don't so easily sell or lease out the state's assets. It will be difficult to get back what you have sold or leased out. Pity our children and grandchildren. Our people are willing to lead a life of hardship as long as the leaders are in the same boat.

MRS. IRANA

Jakarta