On Indonesia's recovery

On Indonesia's recovery

From Pikiran Rakyat

Considering that up until the first days of 2001 Indonesia has continued to be disorganized in terms of the economy, politics, law enforcement, observation of human rights, national security (in particular the recent Christmas night bomb blast at/near several churches and other recent bombings) as well as personal security. I am afraid I will remain pessimistic that my country, Indonesia, will be able to recover this year despite the optimism of our President, the Coordinating Minister for Economy Rizal Ramly and others.

One of my reasons for being pessimistic is the fact that President Gus Dur has very often made controversial statements which in turn have resulted in negative impacts to the nation's political and economic stability, including his recent statement saying that the police had managed to arrest Tommy Soeharto, which was later denied by the national police chief. Meanwhile, from my observation I can tell that partisan infighting amongst members of the political elite will continue for the sake of their groups rather than the national interest.

To start improving the country's condition, I think, we should continue criticizing our president with the hope that he will change his attitude and depressing habit of issuing controversial statements as well as taking action "as he wishes" (which among others has caused Minister Ryaas Rasyid to resign from the cabinet).

SURYATI

Bandung