Public awaits government's promise to work consistently

The public appreciates the government's openness about the lack of consistency, sustainability and effective coordination in its work.

Unfortunately, before the Cabinet meeting on Jan. 3, two unfavorable reports reached the public: The sales of Indomobil shares will inflict losses to the amount of Rp 1.7 trillion on the government and that Syamsul Nursalim's group will be allowed more time to settle their debts.

These reports are an affront to the public's sense of justice and have led to suspicion of the revival of the practices of corruption, collusion and nepotism within the President's inner circle.

There are 45 million unemployed people across the country and 60 percent of the population live below the poverty line.

The year 2002 must go down as the year of people's sacrifices as prices of virtually everything are spiraling.

While Indonesia is not Argentina, close to five years of this plight will probably lead to popular explosion, especially given the continued abuse of power and unjust decisions and policies.

So, even if the government means well with its promise to implement its economic policies consistently, corruption, collusion and nepotism, or even just rumors about these practices, have eaten away at its credibility and authority and weakened its effectiveness.

-- Kompas, Jakarta