Standing tall

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