Shame on us
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