Standing tall

As an observer from within the country, it appears to me that Indonesia is now in its third major crisis. The first was the removal of Dutch colonialism, which resulted in independence, the second was the removal of the communist threat in the mid-1960s, which resulted in the establishment of Indonesia as we now know it. President Soeharto played an important part in both these, and now he must steer Indonesia through the third.

I believe that the threat today is one of potential economic control (or economic colonialism) by the Western powers. President Soeharto is right to take a strong position, and not simply accept the IMF proposals with the rules and values of the West. If the IMF package requires action which is contrary to the Indonesian Constitution, or, more importantly, contrary to the traditional Indonesian values, strong position must be taken. Of course, IMF assistance is worthwhile, but with terms negotiated, not imposed.

Indonesia now has a choice; prepare for the next century as an "economic colony of the West," or become a strong and independent republic, with its own traditional morals and beliefs.

Even though the second option may require short-term hardships, this must be the preferred way forward for the Indonesian people. Thus, the Republic of Indonesia will emerge, God willing, as a major and independent player in the next century, and not become a "tame tiger."

PAUL SPICE

Bontang, East Kalimantan