Towards solid national economy

Towards solid national economy

From Tempo

Andy Muhkerjee's economic analysis in The International Herald Tribune that the rupiah needs to temporarily be replaced by dollar and that islands should be leased, is a great idea. But our over-nationalistic politicians might disagree with this concept.

Another theory (Omahe Kenichi) suggests that the enterprises are not necessarily owned by Indonesian nationals. Because the most important thing is that the people can be safely employed in a stable company, have a decent life, even though the company is owned by a foreign national.

Still, yet another theory from Teng Hsiao Peng stresses that no matter whether the cat is black or white, it should be able to catch a mouse.

So, be rational please, Mr. President, in your efforts to surmount the economic crises; no need to be over-nationalistic by sticking to the idea that "even if the people live miserably, let us not sell our dignity". This notion should be cast aside for the sake of the people's interest.

Our proposal is: Lease one of our uninhabited islands to Taiwan, which has a huge capital, but whose political situation is under pressure. The leasing period should be 90 years with profit sharing of 30 percent under the international legal system.

The link between the Indonesian government and the leasing government could be similar to that between China and Hong Kong post British administration era.

Until the Indonesian currency is stable and inflation surmountable and the country's economy in good shape, for the time being, Indonesia should use dollars just like Riau did in the past.

LIE GAN YONG Jakarta