I often heard such generous compliments shortly before the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis swept the region. The hardest hit was Indonesia, where a political crisis was also triggered.

One of the online discussion’s participants, an influential senior economist, laughed at my cynical view, which I did not argue. I am not an economist, after all.

I was skeptical because I felt a sense of déjà vu. I had closely followed the severe economic and political crises that unfolded in the country 25 years ago. When the financial slowdown was creeping up on Asia, the world was still fully confident in Indonesia’s ability to stave off the crisis because “Indonesia’s economic fundamentals are very healthy and strong”.

I do not doubt Georgieva’s assessment, as it is likely based on a comprehensive study by her excellent team. The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) share her optimistic view about Indonesia, too.

So, you might ask me: “Who do you think you are, daring to question the assessment of a world institution?” I am nobody, but sometimes, albeit very rarely, the truth can come from a very ordinary man.

Georgieva’s remarks were widely reported by the local press, including The Jakarta Post.