Speedy treatment needed

As far as we are able to conclude from the statements made by the special foreign envoys who have met recently with President Soeharto, there is nothing wrong in relations between Indonesia and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Still, the frequency of the visits by the envoys to discuss the question of compliance leads us to surmise that something has indeed gone wrong.

Sound reasoning tells us it is always possible for problems to emerge, for whatever reason. The IMF prescription (to deal with the monetary and economic crisis) appears to be effective in the long term, while Indonesia is hoping to find an immediate cure to stabilize the value of the rupiah at a reasonable level against the dollar.

This is, apparently, where the problem lies. Because it does not want to see its people suffer for too long, Indonesia was tempted when experts came offering a currency board system as an effective antidote.

In the Indonesian perception, a currency board system is not in conflict with the IMF's terms since both are designed to heal the patient. This notion, however, seems to be precisely where the problem lies. Dr. IMF appears to be offended if the patient chooses a different cure.

We hope the patient and doctor in this case will come to a speedy agreement regarding the prescription. The Indonesian people need treatment that is explicit, distinct and swift.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta