Neiss' statement

Neiss' statement

From Neraca

IMF's Asia-Pacific director Hubert Neiss has reminded the Indonesian government to seriously handle the distribution of rice to prevent a further worsening of the crisis.

It is strongly felt that the government's ability is very weak, because even in the matter of rice, the advice came from an outsider whose expertise is in the financial field.

Moreover, as a nation we seem to have no authority anymore. People think we are unable to handle rice distribution, which is a small part of the complex state affairs.

There is fear that all the policies to be applied will not support the people's interests.

People in the government who have a conscience will certainly feel ashamed by Neiss' statement. The government should know that although the matter is small the effect is tremendous. There are many examples, mainly the riots at various places in and outside Java.

The government should also know that the political effect of this commodity is enormous. The reminder by Neiss, a foreigner, should make the government ponder why a foreigner understands Indonesian problems better that Indonesians themselves.

I felt ashamed and sad reading the report. Even though a magazine reported Habibie as saying he is not weak, his government appears to have no strength of which to be proud.

But we'd better wait to see whether in the future the Habibie government improves after having received Neiss' advice.

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