Economists defend Boediono against 'neolib' allegations

Economists have defended vice presidential hopeful Boediono from allegations that he has implemented neoliberal economic policies that benefit only certain groups and neglect the poor majority.

"Economic policies in Indonesia are always pragmatic; ideology is an accessory. Therefore, we need to get back to the facts which show that there has been progress in our prosperity," economist M. Chatib Basri, also a member of the finance minister's expert staff, told a forum on Tuesday.

Basri said Indonesia's unemployment rates had dropped from 10.4 percent in 2006 to 8.4 percent this year.

Also speaking at the forum, economist Raden Pardede said all economic models were designed for the benefit of the people.

"All economic models aim to bring prosperity to the people. Even neoliberalism, marxism, keynesian -- these are all aimed at increasing people's prosperity.

"The easiest way to see the progress of the current government is to compare our life now with that of five years ago, honestly," Basri said.