Are We Following The Wrong Path?

The Jakarta Post's headline today is titled "Business climate remains poor despite progress." Indonesia is ranked 129^th on the ease of doing business. Please follow this link to read the net’s version.

Based on 2009 Doing Business Report – issued by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – the following is the ranking on the ease of doing business in Asian countries:
1^st : Singapore
4^th : Hong Kong
13^th : Thailand
20^th : Malaysia
58^th : Mongolia
61^st : Taiwan
83^rd : China
88^th : Brunei
92^nd : Vietnam
129^th : INDONESIA
135^th : Cambodia
140^th : Phillippines
165^th : Lao PDR
170^th : Timor Leste

In 1998 we shouted loudly that we wanted change. We thought that by toppling down Soeharto we could have the change we dreamt so long… the change for the betterment of the country and the people.

In 2008 – ten years after we declared the commitment for change – we’re still wondering and are puzzled. Geez… why everything looks like in chaos. Are we better yet? I’d like to say ‘yes’ but I believe we need to show improvement better than the current performance. Otherwise we’ll be left behind by those countries that had improved their countries faster than us.

I wonder are we following the wrong path? Is democracy the right way for Indonesia? Or, should we better under a monarchy?

Soeharto ruled like a monarch – some people say he’s a strong and charismatic leader – and the country was deemed prosperous on the height of his ruling. Well, some of our presidents after Soeharto, i.e., Gus Dur, Megawati, SBY are also charismatic, but many people despise them because people don’t see they walk the talk or are brave, sensitive and quick enough to take action that raises hope in people’s heart.

Should Indonesia admit – although silently – that monarchy is the best match and that we need to be ruled by an-iron-fist leader or a king?

Ya, nggak diterusin deh, gue bisa ditimpukin banyak orang. *smile*