Republic of Indonesia, a time bomb which is going to explode big time
// January 21st, 2009 // 1 Comment » // politics
Whilst people in United State of America are in jubilant mood ever since Barack Obama took the presidential seat, people in Republic of Indonesia are uncertain what the future holds for the nation.
Whilst the government has been busy fighting corruption and graft (it appears to be the case), its incapacity to set up employment, to utilize its bloody huge human and natural resources, and in turn, to generate income in order to sustain itself can make matters worse for the whole nation.
You may wonder, what is actually the biggest source of income to the government (I presume it might be the only source of government’s income)? You’re right; it’s taxation which is paid faithfully by taxpayers. Yet we couldn’t be sure where all the money goes. Only a trickle of tax finds its way to government coffers. It has been corrupted all the way up and all the way down whenever it is to be put into use.
Stand in contrast: Boulevard Raya Avenue in a sorry state inundated by water and Mall of Indonesia a brand new super mall next to it
The government is inept to generate income and create space of employment. It can be seen through competition between government owned enterprises, private enterprises and foreign companies in public transportation, communication, electricity and other life-sustaining and vital areas. A lot of those vital areas were superseded by private enterprises and foreign counterparts, such as domestic aviation (Lion Air, Batavia, Sriwijaya versus Garuda), public transportation (Blue Bird, Cipaganti versus Damri), cellular phone (Indosat, XL versus Telkom), oil companies (Petronas, Shell versus Pertamina), television (Metro TV, Indosiar, Antv versus TVRI), banking (BCA, Lippo, Mandiri, Danamon versus BNI46 and BRI), mining (Freeport). Indonesia was liberated at August 17th 1945 but in reality Indonesia is no longer a free country.
The private enterprises are quick to spot opportunities and fill the gap amid government’s failure to satisfy public demand. Dilapidated government owned rail stations stand in contrast to illustrious high-end supermall and luxurious club owned by private enterprises. If situation persisted, the gap between rich and poor will get even worse which in turn, create social havoc and God forbids, the May 1998 riots will happen again soon enough.
The People Republic of China on the other hand, emphasizes on building public transportation and facilities since inception of economic reform under Deng Xiao Ping. Building highways, airports, bridges, bus, subway, train stations, harbour is government’s top priority. As a result, people are encouraged to get involved economically. They won’t put their cash on the bank account but choose to fund their businesses instead. The inflation rate is low and their currency remains strong but still the vital areas of life are under control of government. The private sectors are forbidden to partake in those areas except under certain conditions.
Good intention only is far from enough, what we need is commitment to address these problems from the heart and consistency in practicing the get-rid-of-corruption policy from the very beginning. Alas, it won’t happen, just sit back and wait for the bomb to detonate, enjoy the scenery from overseas or get ready for the worst if you are to stay here.
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