Jakarta, IO – Satu Kahkonen, the World Bank country director for Indonesia and Timor Leste, was criticized as being “careless” by British media the The International Business Times (IBT) after commenting on President-elect Prabowo’s key campaign program to provide free lunches and milk for Indonesian children.
In the article published on Tuesday (5/3), the digital business publication wrote Kahkonen has crossed the line because the World Bank is a neutral institution that should not make politically charged statements.
It also revealed that Indonesia is still grappling with malnutrition and stunting, even though the country’s economic performance is increasingly solid. In fact, 21 percent of children under the age of 18 suffer from stunting, according to a study conducted by The Centre for Policy Studies.
The poll also shows that voters in Indonesia support intervention and protectionism to improve living standards and protect the most vulnerable groups in a country where the poverty rate is still as high as 9 percent, even though the trend is going down.
According to IBT, the World Bank’s mandate is clear that they can provide advice on economic issues, but must avoid political interference.
“There is a perception that Kahkonen has overreached in his criticism of Subianto’s proposal. The World Bank appears to be a neutral institution, and its statements are seen domestically as politically motivated,” the article reads.
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Economists from more progressive economic schools, such as Keynesians, also argue that investment made to improve the welfare of Indonesian children is critical.
“Indonesia chooses leaders based on the policy proposals submitted. Suggestions from external parties are acceptable, but should not be prioritized over the democratic process,” IBT wrote. (un)