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