Return of riches

Return of riches

From Kompas

I am writing in response to Reza Shahab's letter 'Action for the return of the state's riches', published in Kompas, March 23. I agree with Reza because compared to other actions such as the Love Rupiah and Love the Motherland campaigns, this gives greater hope for a more rapid solution of the economic crisis.

I suggest that the government start the action immediately by opening a special account at a government bank to receive the return of the state's riches in the form of money. Goods can be channeled through government pawnshops. For riches in the form of valuables such as certificates and shares, the government should appoint an official, the Bank Indonesia governor or the finance minister perhaps, to receive the papers. In the provinces, this task could be given to the governors.

I am convinced that a great number of people who have misused the state's riches have come to realize their misdeeds but are not willing to return them because they are afraid of penalties. Let us hope that this action will encourage them to return riches acquired from the state without fear of penalties.

People who are still unaware of their misdeeds should be coaxed by religious leaders to return the state's riches. Lectures on the subject can be given at various occasions, using, for example, television and the printed media.

IDRUS MS

Jakarta