SMS: SBY economic performance after nearly four years of his five-year term

Mon, 06/02/2008 12:48 PM  |  Reader's Forum

I am sorry to say that SBY has made our lives, the majority of us being poor, worse than ever. We live a life of uncertainty economically. Day after day unpredictable inflation haunts us. Cowboy democracy robbed our chance of a better life for the last ten years. It's time for youths to grab leadership and manage this naturally rich country for the welfare of the majority.
SUTOYO J SUSANTO
Jakarta

Economic policy is under the control of neo-capitalists. There is no clear blueprint to lead Indonesia into a better future that will enable us to compete globally.
EFENDI
Pontianak

I think SBY's economic performance is the worst out of all recent leaders. He has increased fuel prices twice during his term but economic growth has not been impressive in the last four years. I think it is getting even worse. So just cut it out before it is too late.
MEYLAN MAKIKAMA
Jakarta

Economic development under SBY is good, but it can't help the poor. Low-income families are suffering more and more. There are also more people affected by the recent fuel price hikes. SBY needs to adopt old Javanese wisdom established by Ronggowarsito to lead Indonesia to be a secure and prosperous country.
JOKO SUKISNO
Bogor, West Java

I trust SBY's integrity and sincerity (unlike many, if not all, of his ministers). It is the most important quality in a leader to me. He has made anti-corruption his priority and that is the worst problem facing Indonesia, second to none.

His nightmares are twofold: dealing with disasters and lawmakers and coordinating selfish ministers. Yet Indonesia's economy has survived the worst so far. I judge SBY in these terms and give him an "A".
HATANTO R
Jakarta

I think SBY's economic policy is good enough, but we need to change the current system to develop our nation.
ISKANDAR
Depok, West Java

I think SBY has done his best for the country, but the problems are not easy to solve. The economy is the most difficult problem.
ANITA
Bandung

Lousy - there is no leadership, no vision and no fundamental economic policy. It would be better if SBY created another album for his remaining term, entertaining people.
JAN P. S.
Jakarta

SBY is considered a man who never sides with poor citizens. He never completed the actions he said he would. They were mere symbols to satisfy state officials and to save his place at the coming election.

His promises made in the past gradually disappeared, paid by many people suffering in poverty and unemployment.
JOHANES
Jakarta

One word to describe SBY's performanceHis policies are not only confusing, but they have created a high cost-economy. We need distinct regulations and strict implementation at the grassroot level.

We should worry about the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Please be wise, don't let our beloved nation be separated because wefulfill our basic daily needs.
JASON
Jakarta

SBY should take into account the experiences from previous leaders and read about the ongoing protests and demonstrations as important indications of the current economic situation. He should have short and long term solutions.
JANTI
Jakarta

Whoever the president is, the problem will remain the same because the economic problems mostly come from external factors, such as oil prices, energy and commodity scarcity and global environmental issues. Maybe he is not the perfect leader, but we have to praise him for his anti-corruption action, which will have a positive impact on our economic performance in the future.
IHSAN
Jakarta

On a scale of one to 10, I give SBY a nine for his economic reform. The reason is it takes a lot of guts to increase the gasoline price when the world is in a recession, not to mention the tension between students and the government.
RUDY D. SALIM
Jakarta

The economic situation was bad when SBY started his term and unfortunately became worse under his leadership. It's a pity SBY made promises he didn't keep.
CISCA BARATA
Jakarta

I think SBY has done his best. It's not easy to manage a country like Indonesia, where corruption and bribery is everywhere. It is Indonesia main problem.
ADE
Bandung

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