Openness to criticism

One of the keys to success is openness to input and criticism, which the present government demonstrates.

This was at least apparent at a recent breaking of the fast gathering hosted by Vice President Hamzah Haz last Tuesday.

The Vice President accepted criticism that the Megawati-Hamzah Haz government had not done much to improve the country's condition in the first four months of its term. Responding to the criticism, Hamzah said the government did not draw up a high- sounding plan that it have would difficulty attaining by the end of its the tenure in 2004.

The Vice President's statement, instead of reflecting pessimism, shows a practicalness in settling the serious problems facing the nation. Just imagine, the government has to bear some US$80 billion in foreign debt, while domestic debts total Rp 650 trillion.

Many believe that the Megawati-Hamzah partnership will get support from the legislature, especially with Megawati's position as the leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and Hamzah's status as leader of the United Development Party (PPP). However, the two parties often appear in opposition with the government.

All these developments should not make us pessimistic about the struggle to cope with the challenges facing us as a nation. Overall, developments in 2001 will not be so bad.

A foreign banker has said that the Indonesian economy has potential, and pointed out that exports accounted for only 8 percent of national revenue and 75 percent was from domestic consumption. In 2002, it would be worthwhile focusing on the national economy.

It has been proposed that the coordinating minister for the economy be given an assistant, which would be appropriate providing it benefits the economy and the nation.

-- Kompas, Jakarta