Oil for the nation

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 05/22/2006 1:01 PM | Opinion

It's troubling that our government has been unable to see the gravity of the problem of surging oil prices and the impact they may have on our economy. Some experts believe if crude surges to a level of US$100 per barrel, the world's economy will collapse. Our country will be among the first to see it coming.

A fine example has come from leftist (a kind of state we are not keen to talk about) Bolivia, which recently nationalized its oil. The bold measure taken by Evo Morales epitomizes what a country should do with its sovereignty. Despite the ""international"" outrage, Evo was able to enact his policy of ""85 percent of the oil for the state."" This is probably what happens when a government knows its duty.

It's about ensuring the prosperity of the nation, that is, instead of the oil companies. Yes, we need foreign investment, but this does not mean we can leave our country behind. If our oil and other natural resources were for the nation --literally-- then we would not have to care what happens out there.

AHMAD SOFIAN
Bogor, West Java

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