VIVAnews – Ministers and presidential aides usually rely on published literature and various expert opinions to help them accomplish their daily tasks. However, Mari Elka Pangestu, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, refuses to rely on either in facing the current financial crisis.
“I prefer a logic-and-reason-based solution,” Pangestu told VIVAnews.
According to former executive director of Center of Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), she is always refreshing her inner-information when she’s challenged to find solution to the crisis. This method is already applied by many countries. “Of course, not all of them are necessarily applicable in Indonesia,” she explained.
Pangestu, who was born in Jakarta on 23 October 1956, also stresses that there is no precedence for the current crisis. However, she added, logic and reason tells her that the key step to overcome the crisis is to return to the domestic market. “Perhaps such impact is more widely felt in smaller countries than in bigger ones, since they are unable to implement a fiscal stimulus package to push the economy,” she said.
The second principle, according to Pangestu, is that we cannot thoroughly close the market. The global market is closely connected with the domestic market. “We learn this lesson from the 1930s. True, we have to save ourselves, and we may not care what the rest of the world is doing, but we cannot thoroughly close them all; in fact we should let it remain open. If our domestic market is closed, it will undermine the world’s economic growth,” she explained.
Nevertheless, she admits that sharing her views and problems with the business people, experts, and the public, who are affected by the crisis, helps her to come up with the right solution. “Sometimes I talk to people, share questions with them. The important thing is: don’t let it be a burden. Sometimes I share my problems with people; I ask them what their problems are, why is this and why is that,” she said.
Pangestu offers a tip to overcome physical fatigue due to her extensive activities. Sleep is the most powerful medicine, she said. “(You have to sleep) at least six hours. You need to manage your time carefully. For instance, if you have a late night meeting and have to come to the office the next morning, then you can sleep in the car. More like a nap actually, around 15 minutes,” said Pangestu.
She also has useful tips on how to keep her body fresh. Whenever she arrives home, Pangestu would forget her job altogether and relax. “The point is, don’t think about your work, just refresh your mind. (Sometimes) I will go on vacation with my family,” she said.
Pangestu also stressed, that in this time of crisis, she will always try to look for the best solution and to save disadvantaged people. “2008 is the leaders’ first challenge. The problem will keep on growing. The important thing is we shouldn’t let our memories fade,” she said.
Translated by: Edwin Solahuddin
Anutusias Punya Anak Perempuan, Alyssa Soebandono Sampai Lakukan Hal Ini
Menyambut kelahiran anak pertama, Alyssa Soebandono merasa sangat antusias. Diungkap Dude, Istrinya itu sampai membeli baju-baju untuk anak perempuannya tersebut.
