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