Selective nationalism

Indonesia's born-again nationalists burn the Australian and American flags, but ironically no one is burning U.S. banknotes. The self-proclaimed nationalists have not yet objected to the continuing influx of IMF funds -- a phenomenon which will do much more long-term harm to Indonesia's sovereignty than the presence of a few thousand foreign peacekeeping volunteers in a distant outpost.

Isn't the insistence by certain business classes (notably landlords and consultants) on being paid in U.S. dollars instead of in the country's legal currency a more contemptible affront to national pride, and why does the country permit this? The so- called nationalists would gain credibility and respect if they would demonstrate against this preference for dollars and begging for foreign aid that is ensured, if not designed, to keep Indonesians enslaved by foreign governments and businesses.

DONNA K. WOODWARD

Medan, North Sumatra