Shame on us

From Merdeka

On Oct. 29, Merdeka reported businessman Probosutedjo's statement that as a nation, we feel ashamed by Malaysia's offer of US$1 billion in aid for us to come to grips with our monetary crisis, while Malaysia has a similar crisis.

In my opinion, the statement is true, except that in giving its aid, Malaysia has a wish of its own to be helped by Indonesia. I do not know. Singapore wants to help with $5 billion, Australia and Japan have also expressed their willingness to help out.

President Soeharto said recently that we should guard the value of the rupiah. We should not rely on the U.S. dollar only. As it is now, people with rupiah tend to put greater trust in the dollar and exchange their rupiah with U.S. dollars.

Considering that the new order government succeeded in its economic and monetary development, it is not surprising that it has given birth to many strong entrepreneurs. Business tycoons who had formerly received aid in the form of business facilities and government bank credits.

It now turns out that they too have greater trust in the dollar. Only they proceed differently from the laymen. They transfer their money to foreign destinations to expand their business. It is not just an estimate on my part, it is a fact.

If the government chooses to be honest and wants to get results, it should not only expect aid from Malaysia, Singapore, etc. If the government were willing to ask for the help of business tycoons like Liem Sioe Liong, Bob Hasan, Prayogo Pangestu, Eka Widjaya, Sofjan Wanandi, etc. their dollars would certainly be a help to Indonesia, like Malaysia's offer. I believe that the amount would be greater than the $1 billion mentioned earlier.

The more so if we are aware that the business tycoons' success originates from business facilities and government bank credits. It is only logical that when Indonesia experiences a monetary crisis, the business tycoons should come to the aid of the government. Malaysia and Singapore are by comparison small countries. As Probosutedjo said, shame on us.

H.G. MALIKMASS

Ciputat, West Java