Amien Rais to push national interest forward, if elected President

Producer: Yvonne Gomez
First broadcast: 19 May 04, Radio Singapore International

Speaking at a seminar a couple of days ago, Indonesian presidential candidate Dr Amien Rais said that with globalisation, Indonesia risks being left behind economically by other nations.

He also said that he supported a global market economy and privatisation. However if he is elected as president, he will hold Indonesia's national interest above anything else. This is something he said has not been present in President Megawati's administration.

Dr Rais also spoke about several investment deals in Indonesia, including Freeport and Indosat.

RSI's LaRane Hafie spoke to Dr Rais recently, about why Indonesia has to think twice about joining the globalisation process.

AR: I am pro-privatisation, and pro-market economy. But look, Indonesia, is a very poor country, maybe the poorest in Southeast Asia. If we join the process of globalization without any reserve, and just join for the sake of joining, we’ll probably sink to a lower level and will not be able to survive, because we’ll become the economic backyard of other, stronger nations. That’s why, although I want to see Indonesia join the globalization process, we have to be very prudent and always remember that national interest is the first priority. Then, we can compromise, make, take and give any deal with other sides. But as I told you, this must be based on mutual respect. Maybe I’m being too sensitive, because my people are still very poor, but if Indonesia becomes a very strong economy, we can compete on equal footing with other neighbouring countries, then maybe I can take a more lenient position. But for now, I want to defend my national interest.

LRH: Are you looking at the fact that investments in Indonesia today, especially under Megawati presidency, are not what you expected them to be?

AR: Exactly. I want to imitate Mahathir for example. Malaysia is progressing very quickly, in terms of its economy but there is no leader in the world who can accuse Mahathir of being stupid and crazy. But Mahathir can defend Malaysia as his number one priority. I think there are Indian examples, Chinese examples, Korean examples, but the Indonesian examples may not be as good. That’s why we still need time to improve and take a better position.

LRH: You brought up the Indosat case, is the situation that bad?

AR: The deal has been done, and I won’t say anything or create any trouble. Because if we take a negative position, I’m afraid the national investors will get shocked. All these deals must be respected, as well as all the contract works. But for the future, we must be more careful and prudent.