Setting the priorities

Setting the priorities

A host of problems are before us, ranging from the emergence
of separatist sentiments in a number of regions, the laggardness
of the handling of corruption cases and the lack of security to
the slowness in bank restructuring efforts and the continuing
drop in the rupiah's value despite reasonably favorable economic
fundamentals.

It is easy to add more problems to the list, but setting the
priorities for their solution is more difficult because all the
various groups involved are promoting their own interests.
Clearness of thought is needed as well as willingness on the part
of everyone to put together a list of priorities that can be
implemented. The guiding principle is clear: the interests of the
people at large must come first and any other interests second.

What all the various parties in the current political contest
must realize is that concessions made by any party do not
necessarily have to mean another's gain. On the other hand, if it
is the general interest that is neglected, the resulting unrest
could be damaging to all the players involved.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta