The problem with Habibie

We have just entered a new era. The government is in dire financial straits and has just been forced to default on sovereign debt repayments. This inability to repay our debts is an ominous sign that current hardships are set to become even worse in the near future. Like a ship in trouble, we are on the verge of going down.

For many years our people have been lulled with sweet-sounding talk and have been unaware of the consequences of having a state such as ours. Now the people have to bear the burden of being indebted, even though most have not enjoyed the fruits of development.

This is ironic, and all the more lamentable, because President B.J. Habibie has proved unable to coordinate and unite his government since coming to power. He has not made any steps toward restoring confidence in the government and the country. Officials and leaders, including those in charge of managing the economy, appear to be more concerned about their own respective political agendas. Corrupt, collusive and nepotistic practices continue to flourish and no serious effort is being made to bring them to an end.

This could well cause the Habibie government to flounder and fail, unless drastic measures are taken to enhance the President's credibility. In this context it is easy to understand why some quarters have been urging Habibie to reshuffle his present cabinet to make it more capable of handling existing priorities in a more integral manner. Obviously such a cabinet must be free of those who have been involved in corrupt, collusive or nepotistic practices, and whose moral credentials are in doubt.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta