'We must not blindly attack IMF anymore'

'We must not blindly attack IMF anymore'

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Dorodjatun Kuntjoro
Djakti called on Monday for people not to blindly criticize and
attack the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and
Asian Development Bank (ADB) since it would jeopardize
Indonesia's position in dealing with its debt problems.

Speaking during a session with the House of Representatives on
Monday, Dorodjatun reiterated the fact that "Indonesia is facing
tough problems of foreign debts and that we must make the best of
the opportunity that we have, and therefore we must not blindly
attack the IMF, World Bank or ADB."

Dorodjatun urged all sectors in the country to respect
multilateral institutions such as the IMF or World Bank since
such bodies represented the political systems of hundreds of
established countries.

"If the donor countries think that Indonesia treats them like
this ... of course it will place Indonesia in a difficult
position," Dorodjatun said.

Also attended the hearing with House's Commission V for
industry and trade were Minister of Industry and Trade Rini M
Soewandi and Finance Minister Boediono.

Chairman of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas)
and former economic minister Kwik Kian Gie had previously
expressed concern about the way the IMF handled Indonesia's
foreign debts and asked the government to review its cooperation
with IMF saying it is no longer suitable for the country.

The IMF has been widely criticized and described by prominent
Indonesian non-governmental organizations as a giant loan shark
which also has played a big part in determining the course of
Indonesian economic and political conditions.