The problem with Habibie

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