Natural resources and economy

We have tried all kinds of things to improve our economy, including praying to God, tightening our belts, borrowing money, rescheduling our debts, cutting down subsidies, increasing taxes, clamping down on graft, recovering laundered money, eating less, reducing traveling activities etc. Yet no changes in our economic situation seem to happen.

However, there is one thing that we have not tried seriously: optimizing the utilization of our abundant natural resources. First, the government needs to list and map all the available and potential natural resources in our country (we may need to hire a consultant group using high technologies to do so) and publish it openly.

Second, to investigate the methods and efficiency (and waste) of the exploitation of the natural resources. Third, to determine the flow of income generated by companies that have been granted privileges to exploit and process them.

Fourth, to investigate the legal aspects of the contractual arrangements between the companies and our government to find out irregularities in the process. Fifth, to conduct audit using international standards on all companies dealing with natural resources.

Sixth, to abolish the use of presidential decrees to grant contracts to companies. These are among other important steps to be taken, and if they are conducted sincerely and with due consideration, God willing, we will not have to beg for aid from other countries to feed our people

K. PRIBADI

Cimahi, West Java