Openness to criticism

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