RI has nothing to be proud of

RI has nothing to be proud of

From Media Indonesia

Our country's condition gives cause for sadness. There is a
feeling of regret because I always felt proud of Indonesia until
I discovered the rotten systems -- implemented by the executive
institutions and legal bodies -- which will worsen our economy.

From the aspect of per capita income and debt, Indonesia is in
the group of the poorest countries in the world. There is nothing
anymore to be proud of. Even in this condition those who are
responsible for the systems still consider the Indonesian people
blind and dumb in all matters.

Somebody was angered at the threat by the IMF or World Bank to
postpone their aid to Indonesia and their persuasion of donor
countries not to give any aid to Indonesia until the Bank Bali
case is solved.

The angry person is a prominent lawyer. He used to give the
impression of being a reformist. Apparently he is no different
from a tree which bends in what direction the wind (read: the
government) blows for personal profit. I am convinced that the
persons who think the people are still stupid actually know very
well about the objection of world finance institutions and the
donor countries. It is very clear that the lending party will
start thinking if Indonesia does not take efforts to eradicate
corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN), Indonesia's debt will
increase and may not be paid back. The adventurers at the
institutions only think of personal profit and always try to
deceive the people. The rotten executive institutions and legal
bodies which clearly select which KKN cases need to be settled
and need not be solved so that the interest of the elite is not
disturbed. What is there to be proud of for an Indonesian? Is
there pride that Indonesia is ranked first in corruption and the
poorest country? I am ashamed.

ACHMAD GHAZALI

Jakarta