History notes many things and tends to soften some over time. If SBY is a true statesman and an amazing leader, then the proof of that pudding is in his actions, right?

Care to elaborate on what makes the man a true statesman and an amazing leader?

Thanks for the kind words.

but, i think it is important to note that despite that i thought it was an imprudent decision – whether it was criminally negligent or not is a very different question is not really a decision i get to make.

You see, when we start criminilizing public officials for bad judgements we're starting off a very bad precedents so if you really ask my opinion, then yes, i think some of the decisions were probably hasty and imprudent.

I don't think they're criminally negligent – my concern is more that the bad policies are fixed and limit the potential risk.

I totally agree with you that the quality of integrity of Sri Mulyani is probably beyond question – but i was not at all questioning her integrity. My issue here is: given current circumstances, is it not more prudent for Indonesia to revisit its economic policies before things get too ugly?

IMHO, our president is just similar to any good presidents anywhere in the world, they face difficult decisions almost on daily basis. I am not sure which case you are referring to, but I am sure that he is tied to the prevalent constitutional rules and ethics, he needs to do everything wisely AND correctly.. and commoners like us often lack of patience NOR persistence to follow any rules. He is neither superhuman nor angel, and he does have few shortcomings… but he is still a true statesman and amazing leader. History will note that.

I have been reading your blogs for an hour now, and I have to admit that I enjoy your blogs very much (even though I found them by googling). Out of many interesting topics that you raise in this blog, the century bank bail-out stands out. I have a very-very little education of economics science, but please convince me, you really say that it was imprudent decision to bail it out? I trust so much the talent of our finance minister, as well as our forthcoming vice president, and I am sure their quality and integrity are second to none. Or is it they are coaxed to make mistakes, deliberately misled by their staffs/aides? if so, then I want to see some heads rolling…

another blogger too?

if somenone (you) finger me, i will not be mad as in indonesian finger means nothing!

the girl may be showing her finger to camera not to poor begar.

For what it's worth, i notice that a lot of post discussions especially the simpler ones are mostly on twitter, so there are significantly fewer commenting going round. help to trim down the trolls, too.

in any event, thanks a bunch