Silent Indovision!
Silent Indovision!
I would like to join in the ongoing correspondence published
in your paper regarding Indovision, to which the company has not
seen fit to reply.
I agree with what all your other writers have said and find
Indovision's service nothing short of appalling. I have phoned
the company several times and received no satisfactory response.
I have also sent them fax messages, none of which have been
replied to.
Perhaps more letters to you on this subject may provoke some
response and lead to the immediate resumption of a service we
have already paid for, without any additional expense.
ROSLINA MATONDANG
Jakarta
;JP;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-advice
Five star advice
JP/4/let
Five-star advice
Lo and behold, Indonesia is facing another crisis of
gargantuan proportions. Not only has this most recent matter been
fodder for office chitchat but it has most recently come to light
in letters to the editor.
Yes, I am referring to the loss of STAR programming for those
with access to cable television. The poor children, the
unfortunate fathers, and let us not forget the exasperated
mothers and wives. How can they live without these extra
channels?
Although I wish I could take credit for my mother's infinite
wisdom, I will share her advice to the suffering masses and cure
them from their channel blues. Grab a book. Play outside. Take
the family for a walk. Engage in a family conversation. The sad
state of this world's affairs truly come to light when there is
expressed grief over the loss of a few television shows on the
tube.
EDWIN PIEROELIE
Jakarta
;BISNIS INDONESIA;LIE;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-interest
Interest rates
JP/4/let
Lower interest rates!
From Bisnis Indonesia
As the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the rupiah is
now under Rp 10,600 to the dollar -- the level set as a target by
the IMF and the government in the current state budget -- as a
businessman, I hope that bank interest rates may be lowered again
a little sooner.
I propose this further lowering of bank rates in order that
constraints to the revival of economic activities in the real
sector may be reduced, so that the activities of producing and
distributing goods may run well again. Reviving production and
distribution activities is important to curb the inflation rate
and open up employment and business opportunities, particularly
with respect to people in the lower income brackets.
Efforts to revive economic activities will be very much
hampered if bank rates remain at too high a level.
Also, keeping bank rates too high will be unfavorable for
banks, particularly those sustaining liquidity difficulty and
continuous losses in what is known as the negative spread.
Therefore, it would be wise if Bank Indonesia its SBI interest
rate sooner, so that commercial banks are not in a race to raise
their interest rates, which are now ranging from 46 percent for
time-deposit rates to 65 percent for loan interest rates.
On the other hand, loans extended on the basis of government-
sponsored programs, with an interest rate of 16 percent, should
continue to be facilitated, and their disbursement should also be
sped up so that our economic revival will happen immediately. In
this context, medium enterprises, particularly those which are
export-oriented and in support of export activities, must be
allocated these loans.
And one more thing, demonstrations must be staged in a more
orderly manner and should not involve vandalizing any buildings
or public facilities. Aren't we a peace-loving nation?
Unless economic activities can be revived, the number of
criminals will be on an increase, in line with the rise in the
number of unemployed people.
A. WIBOWO
Jakarta
;NERACA;SHA;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-CHILDREN
Street children, vagrants and beggars
JP/4/Let
Street children, vagrants and beggars
From Neraca
Greater Jakarta reportedly has 12,630 street children. Social
organizations take 4,160 of them under their protection, while a
UNDP program and the government have 1,084 in their care.
In this month of Ramadhan, the number of street children has
increased. Many of them accost motor vehicles asking for money,
while making "music" with bottle caps nailed to a piece of wood.
And then there are the vagrants and beggars who have come to the
capital to try their luck.
One day, I saw a pathetic-looking young woman carrying an
infant cleaning windshields while the vehicles were stopped at
traffic lights. Both mother and child might have just started
this because their skin was still smooth and clean. Maybe her
husband had just been laid off.
Some street children also have a clear complexion and their
actions are still awkward. They, too, may have just started
begging because they have dropped out of school or they need to
earn extra pocket money.
Many of these problems are getting the government's attention,
as well as people who can still afford to have three meals a day.
ABDILLAH KAMIL
Jakarta
;FORUM;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-reform
Democracy and reform
JP/4/let
Reform and democracy
From Forum
Almost everyone talks about reform and democracy nowadays in
this country. It is now very easy to corner somebody or some
group or even the government in the name of reform and democracy.
Because reform and democracy have become a sort of "ghost" to
fear.
However, some reformists and democrats have tarnished their
ideals or their struggle for reform and democracy. They have
forced their opinion on others, indulged in slanders and let
themselves be embroiled in prejudice, disrespecting other
people's wishes. Where is the logic?
Why don't we give those we are criticizing a chance to start
again to uphold democracy and carry out reform. And, at the same
time, we will always be ready to remind them of the mistakes they
might make in the process without sacrificing the lives of the
people. Until we can cooperate and sympathize with them, there is
no room for us to feel proud of ourselves. Also we should not try
to expect any reform to take place before we let reform to happen
in our own mind.
We, on our own part, are now aware of the figures who
genuinely and wholeheartedly do everything for the sake of reform
and democracy, without any hidden motives (power hungry), and of
other figures whose ambition it is to have a grip of power, even
though that will involve some violence.
We should also warn them not to be so quick to use the name of
the people, so as not to be cursed, if, in fact, they have never
lived among the people and listened to their cries.
SIGID MULYADI
Buton, Southeast Sulawesi
;GATRA;LIE;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-dialog
National dialog
JP/4/let
National dialog
From Gatra
Toward Soeharto's fall, Minister of Defense and Security/Armed
Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto held a "national dialog" in
Kemayoran, Jakarta. This dialog was attended by representatives
of students' senates from all over Indonesia, community figures,
intellectuals, generals and retired members of the Armed Forces
as well as 18 Cabinet ministers. Unfortunately, proreform figures
such as Amien Rais, Abdurrahman Wahid, Megawati and Goenawan
Mohamad were not invited to attend the dialog, which did not come
up with anything of significance. The dialog deteriorated into a
vicious circle of debates and mutual condemnation. Finally the
reform engine moved on until Soeharto's collapse.
Now, Lt. Gen. Agum Gumelar of the National Resilience
Institute would like to hold another national dialog next month.
He has invited all community representatives, including the
Ciganjur Group. This is a breakthrough to break the ice in our
political affairs.
As one of the participants in the national dialog in
Kemayoran, I would like to remind Mr. Agum Gumelar, the
government and the Armed Forces to make sure that the upcoming
dialog will really be made use of to reach a national consensus
before we fall into the abyss of protracted crises and witness
the resilience of this country destroyed for good.
President Habibie and the Armed Forces must abandon the New
Order-style approach of violence and adopt a friendlier political
approach. To this end, I would like to suggest a few things:
* Immediately undertake probing into and confiscation of the
assets illegally amassed by Soeharto, his family and his cronies;
* Reshuffle the Cabinet and discard officials incapable of
performing their duties.
* Establish the laws on political affairs and the general
election through deliberations with new political parties.
* Cancel the allegation of treason placed on the National
Front, which is part of the proreform circle, to prevent national
disintegration.
It is my hope that our nation and country may escape
disintegration as a result of failing to cash in on a political
momentum through deliberations as God recommends in His decree
(Koran epistle 3, verse 159): "And hold deliberations with them
in all matters. If then you make a decision, have trust in God.
Indeed, God loves people who have trust in Him."
H. SALEH ALDJUFRI
Chairman of LPPI Sunan Ampel
Surabaya
;BISNIS INDONESIA;SHA;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-study
Nationalism and studying abroad
JP/4/Let
Nationalism and studying abroad
From Bisnis Indonesia
Bisnis Indonesia of Dec.18 carried the articles Jakarta in
chaos, MNC reacts and Relocation of shoe factory to Vietnam side
by side.
The situation in our country is really saddening. Both factory
owners and individuals feel it is not safe to do business or to
live in Indonesia, especially Jakarta.
I think the country's leaders and the government apparatus all
too often make confusing statements and decisions.
Recently there have been at least two cases: the establishment
of a civilian militia and the plan announced by President Habibie
to ban studying abroad for elementary and secondary school
children.
With regard to studying abroad, if the basis for considering
the plan to make the regulation is nationalism and the saving of
foreign exchange, does the President already understand the
situation and have clear data that studying abroad influences
nationalism?
I am convinced that the percentage of elementary and secondary
school children studying abroad, calculated from the total number
of students, is very small. What is certain is that all parents
wish to give their children the best education.
As parents, we are more concerned about the student brawls
that take place nearly every day. Moreover, school activities are
often disrupted by various riots and social unrest.
Student demonstrations reflecting a strong nationalism take
place due to the lack of response from our leaders concerning the
country's situation.
What needs to be questioned is whether government officials,
both still in power and retired, have a spirit of nationalism to
the same extent as students, in particular those who have enjoyed
material windfalls as a result of corruption, collusion and
nepotism.
YANTO
Jakarta
;REPUBLIKA;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-degree
Fake degree
JP/4/let
Beware of fake degrees
From Republika
We were employing the services of a management consultant
named Khairul Alwan Nasution, MBA, MM, PhD. The placement of this
consultant was recommended (by chance) by a reliable friend.
Moreover this consultant has a look of a Muslim expert in
management and he several times acted as a moderator in religious
discourses held at a private TV station.
Besides, Mr. Alwan showed us a leaflet issued by the Sakinah
Family Clinic stating that he is a counselor who can help solve
family problems in terms of religion, economy, education,
sociocultural affairs and health.
Our company was using his consultancy services only in dealing
with human resources. However, after a few months of trial, our
effort produced no satisfactory result. What was more important
was that we later came to know that Mr. Alwan's academic degree
as stated in the leaflet and also on his business card was bogus.
We were very concerned about this state of affairs and
disappointed by his unprofessionalism. His Ph D. degree is also
questionable. How can he solve any Islamic problem if, as a
Muslim, he has deceived himself and the public? We would like to
warn Mr. Alwan to stop such deceitful practices because it could
lead him to be charged with a criminal act. We would also like to
alert the public of possible involvement in such a shameful
incidence.
IWAN SETIAWAN
Bogor, West Java
I would like to join in the ongoing correspondence published
in your paper regarding Indovision, to which the company has not
seen fit to reply.
I agree with what all your other writers have said and find
Indovision's service nothing short of appalling. I have phoned
the company several times and received no satisfactory response.
I have also sent them fax messages, none of which have been
replied to.
Perhaps more letters to you on this subject may provoke some
response and lead to the immediate resumption of a service we
have already paid for, without any additional expense.
ROSLINA MATONDANG
Jakarta
;JP;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-advice
Five star advice
JP/4/let
Five-star advice
Lo and behold, Indonesia is facing another crisis of
gargantuan proportions. Not only has this most recent matter been
fodder for office chitchat but it has most recently come to light
in letters to the editor.
Yes, I am referring to the loss of STAR programming for those
with access to cable television. The poor children, the
unfortunate fathers, and let us not forget the exasperated
mothers and wives. How can they live without these extra
channels?
Although I wish I could take credit for my mother's infinite
wisdom, I will share her advice to the suffering masses and cure
them from their channel blues. Grab a book. Play outside. Take
the family for a walk. Engage in a family conversation. The sad
state of this world's affairs truly come to light when there is
expressed grief over the loss of a few television shows on the
tube.
EDWIN PIEROELIE
Jakarta
;BISNIS INDONESIA;LIE;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-interest
Interest rates
JP/4/let
Lower interest rates!
From Bisnis Indonesia
As the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the rupiah is
now under Rp 10,600 to the dollar -- the level set as a target by
the IMF and the government in the current state budget -- as a
businessman, I hope that bank interest rates may be lowered again
a little sooner.
I propose this further lowering of bank rates in order that
constraints to the revival of economic activities in the real
sector may be reduced, so that the activities of producing and
distributing goods may run well again. Reviving production and
distribution activities is important to curb the inflation rate
and open up employment and business opportunities, particularly
with respect to people in the lower income brackets.
Efforts to revive economic activities will be very much
hampered if bank rates remain at too high a level.
Also, keeping bank rates too high will be unfavorable for
banks, particularly those sustaining liquidity difficulty and
continuous losses in what is known as the negative spread.
Therefore, it would be wise if Bank Indonesia its SBI interest
rate sooner, so that commercial banks are not in a race to raise
their interest rates, which are now ranging from 46 percent for
time-deposit rates to 65 percent for loan interest rates.
On the other hand, loans extended on the basis of government-
sponsored programs, with an interest rate of 16 percent, should
continue to be facilitated, and their disbursement should also be
sped up so that our economic revival will happen immediately. In
this context, medium enterprises, particularly those which are
export-oriented and in support of export activities, must be
allocated these loans.
And one more thing, demonstrations must be staged in a more
orderly manner and should not involve vandalizing any buildings
or public facilities. Aren't we a peace-loving nation?
Unless economic activities can be revived, the number of
criminals will be on an increase, in line with the rise in the
number of unemployed people.
A. WIBOWO
Jakarta
;NERACA;SHA;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-CHILDREN
Street children, vagrants and beggars
JP/4/Let
Street children, vagrants and beggars
From Neraca
Greater Jakarta reportedly has 12,630 street children. Social
organizations take 4,160 of them under their protection, while a
UNDP program and the government have 1,084 in their care.
In this month of Ramadhan, the number of street children has
increased. Many of them accost motor vehicles asking for money,
while making "music" with bottle caps nailed to a piece of wood.
And then there are the vagrants and beggars who have come to the
capital to try their luck.
One day, I saw a pathetic-looking young woman carrying an
infant cleaning windshields while the vehicles were stopped at
traffic lights. Both mother and child might have just started
this because their skin was still smooth and clean. Maybe her
husband had just been laid off.
Some street children also have a clear complexion and their
actions are still awkward. They, too, may have just started
begging because they have dropped out of school or they need to
earn extra pocket money.
Many of these problems are getting the government's attention,
as well as people who can still afford to have three meals a day.
ABDILLAH KAMIL
Jakarta
;FORUM;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-reform
Democracy and reform
JP/4/let
Reform and democracy
From Forum
Almost everyone talks about reform and democracy nowadays in
this country. It is now very easy to corner somebody or some
group or even the government in the name of reform and democracy.
Because reform and democracy have become a sort of "ghost" to
fear.
However, some reformists and democrats have tarnished their
ideals or their struggle for reform and democracy. They have
forced their opinion on others, indulged in slanders and let
themselves be embroiled in prejudice, disrespecting other
people's wishes. Where is the logic?
Why don't we give those we are criticizing a chance to start
again to uphold democracy and carry out reform. And, at the same
time, we will always be ready to remind them of the mistakes they
might make in the process without sacrificing the lives of the
people. Until we can cooperate and sympathize with them, there is
no room for us to feel proud of ourselves. Also we should not try
to expect any reform to take place before we let reform to happen
in our own mind.
We, on our own part, are now aware of the figures who
genuinely and wholeheartedly do everything for the sake of reform
and democracy, without any hidden motives (power hungry), and of
other figures whose ambition it is to have a grip of power, even
though that will involve some violence.
We should also warn them not to be so quick to use the name of
the people, so as not to be cursed, if, in fact, they have never
lived among the people and listened to their cries.
SIGID MULYADI
Buton, Southeast Sulawesi
;GATRA;LIE;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-dialog
National dialog
JP/4/let
National dialog
From Gatra
Toward Soeharto's fall, Minister of Defense and Security/Armed
Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto held a "national dialog" in
Kemayoran, Jakarta. This dialog was attended by representatives
of students' senates from all over Indonesia, community figures,
intellectuals, generals and retired members of the Armed Forces
as well as 18 Cabinet ministers. Unfortunately, proreform figures
such as Amien Rais, Abdurrahman Wahid, Megawati and Goenawan
Mohamad were not invited to attend the dialog, which did not come
up with anything of significance. The dialog deteriorated into a
vicious circle of debates and mutual condemnation. Finally the
reform engine moved on until Soeharto's collapse.
Now, Lt. Gen. Agum Gumelar of the National Resilience
Institute would like to hold another national dialog next month.
He has invited all community representatives, including the
Ciganjur Group. This is a breakthrough to break the ice in our
political affairs.
As one of the participants in the national dialog in
Kemayoran, I would like to remind Mr. Agum Gumelar, the
government and the Armed Forces to make sure that the upcoming
dialog will really be made use of to reach a national consensus
before we fall into the abyss of protracted crises and witness
the resilience of this country destroyed for good.
President Habibie and the Armed Forces must abandon the New
Order-style approach of violence and adopt a friendlier political
approach. To this end, I would like to suggest a few things:
* Immediately undertake probing into and confiscation of the
assets illegally amassed by Soeharto, his family and his cronies;
* Reshuffle the Cabinet and discard officials incapable of
performing their duties.
* Establish the laws on political affairs and the general
election through deliberations with new political parties.
* Cancel the allegation of treason placed on the National
Front, which is part of the proreform circle, to prevent national
disintegration.
It is my hope that our nation and country may escape
disintegration as a result of failing to cash in on a political
momentum through deliberations as God recommends in His decree
(Koran epistle 3, verse 159): "And hold deliberations with them
in all matters. If then you make a decision, have trust in God.
Indeed, God loves people who have trust in Him."
H. SALEH ALDJUFRI
Chairman of LPPI Sunan Ampel
Surabaya
;BISNIS INDONESIA;SHA;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-study
Nationalism and studying abroad
JP/4/Let
Nationalism and studying abroad
From Bisnis Indonesia
Bisnis Indonesia of Dec.18 carried the articles Jakarta in
chaos, MNC reacts and Relocation of shoe factory to Vietnam side
by side.
The situation in our country is really saddening. Both factory
owners and individuals feel it is not safe to do business or to
live in Indonesia, especially Jakarta.
I think the country's leaders and the government apparatus all
too often make confusing statements and decisions.
Recently there have been at least two cases: the establishment
of a civilian militia and the plan announced by President Habibie
to ban studying abroad for elementary and secondary school
children.
With regard to studying abroad, if the basis for considering
the plan to make the regulation is nationalism and the saving of
foreign exchange, does the President already understand the
situation and have clear data that studying abroad influences
nationalism?
I am convinced that the percentage of elementary and secondary
school children studying abroad, calculated from the total number
of students, is very small. What is certain is that all parents
wish to give their children the best education.
As parents, we are more concerned about the student brawls
that take place nearly every day. Moreover, school activities are
often disrupted by various riots and social unrest.
Student demonstrations reflecting a strong nationalism take
place due to the lack of response from our leaders concerning the
country's situation.
What needs to be questioned is whether government officials,
both still in power and retired, have a spirit of nationalism to
the same extent as students, in particular those who have enjoyed
material windfalls as a result of corruption, collusion and
nepotism.
YANTO
Jakarta
;REPUBLIKA;WYS;
ANPAk..r..
Letter-degree
Fake degree
JP/4/let
Beware of fake degrees
From Republika
We were employing the services of a management consultant
named Khairul Alwan Nasution, MBA, MM, PhD. The placement of this
consultant was recommended (by chance) by a reliable friend.
Moreover this consultant has a look of a Muslim expert in
management and he several times acted as a moderator in religious
discourses held at a private TV station.
Besides, Mr. Alwan showed us a leaflet issued by the Sakinah
Family Clinic stating that he is a counselor who can help solve
family problems in terms of religion, economy, education,
sociocultural affairs and health.
Our company was using his consultancy services only in dealing
with human resources. However, after a few months of trial, our
effort produced no satisfactory result. What was more important
was that we later came to know that Mr. Alwan's academic degree
as stated in the leaflet and also on his business card was bogus.
We were very concerned about this state of affairs and
disappointed by his unprofessionalism. His Ph D. degree is also
questionable. How can he solve any Islamic problem if, as a
Muslim, he has deceived himself and the public? We would like to
warn Mr. Alwan to stop such deceitful practices because it could
lead him to be charged with a criminal act. We would also like to
alert the public of possible involvement in such a shameful
incidence.
IWAN SETIAWAN
Bogor, West Java