New Order and reform era

New Order and reform era

From Bisnis Indonesia

The reform drive has been going on for four years. Four years
has also elapsed since former president Soeharto declared his
resignation from office. At the time, the name of Soeharto was
heavily criticized but now it has started to be nostalgically
remembered again and even praised.

Ordinary people unfamiliar with politics, the legislature and
the government who are ignorant of human rights, have now
lamented that under Soeharto life was better as they could afford
to buy daily necessities and get a job to feed the whole family.

But, in this era of reform, life has gone in the opposite
direction. The cost of living is getting higher. Many people are
unemployed. Crime is widespread and human lives have become
worthless. The gap between the rich and the poor is getting ever
wider.

The government under the leadership of President Megawati and
Vice President Hamzah Haz should be aware of the plight of the
public. They should give evidence, not high-sounding promises.
The eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism should not
be mere rhetoric.

TAUFIK KARMADI

Jakarta