People do not have to be skeptic about Indonesia’s economic performance for 2010 as reliable experts expressed their optimism. Vice President Boediono once predicted Indonesia’s economy growth would be 5 percent, economy observer Aviliani said 5.5 percent, IMF predicted 4.5 percent and recently, noted economist Faisal Basri cited 6 percent.
We are optimistic about our track record after passing the worst of the global economic crisis, while developed countries suffered. Thanks to the duet the Boediono-Sri Mulyani, the key figures who managed our economy during that time.
But these days, when both economic stalwarts are in jeopardy over the Bank Century bailout case, our economic future will also be in jeopardy. In other words, the optimism about the 5 to 6 percent of growth in 2010 is now in question. Don’t we have other figures with the same reputation and capacity?
People may not realize the implications of removing the reform icons. In 2010, corruption will continue and much awaited justice will be lost. Justice is just a dream. Corruption is everywhere. So, we should avoid our country being managed by the wrong people.
No, it is not merely about Boediono or Sri Mulyani. Anyone who is considered a reform icon will face challenges from whoever disagrees with the reform agenda, loves corruption and dishonesty.
Our biggest challenge in 2010 is corruption. Transparency International currently issued the Corruption Perception Index 2009 and have Indonesia a 2.8 score out of 10, with 10 being least corrupt. This is shameful for such a large country. We rated worse than Nigeria, Gambia and Gabon with a 2.9 score and Zambia, Tonga and Senegal with a 3.0 score.
Reviewing the recent attempt to disgrace the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), we assume there are “ghosts” who try anything to weaken corruption fighters. Today they failed, but they will try again. Frankly, I doubt we can achieve a better score in 2010 if the reform icons lose the battle.
Apparently, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will not enter 2010 smoothly. His 100-day program is a bitter pill. His speech ahead Dec. 9 on International Anti-Corruption Day revealed he is now under siege. Despite Yudhoyono’s coalition that controls the majority in the House of Representatives, its body is fragile. Do not ever forget about the “roadmap to 2014” project, which has been kicked-off by political parties.
Next year Yudhoyono and his administration cannot do their job as he will be busy with his opponents. Indonesian politics has good and bad guys, but it seems there are more bad guys.
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Serpong, 15 Dec 2009
Titus J.
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