Building a modern financial system

by David Chamberlin Cole

This book provides penetrating insights into the kinds of policies that can lead to the development of a modern financial system in a large, relatively underdeveloped country. The study covers all facets of the financial system, emphasizing the role of the monetary authorities, the transition from a government-dominated to a predominantly private banking system, and the recent rapid expansion of the capital market. Indonesia is a particularly interesting case because its economy and its financial system were in shambles in the mid-1960s owing to political adventurism and economic mismanagement. Over the next three decades, sensible macroeconomic policies and growth-promoting reforms in both the real and financial sectors produced high rates of economic growth, balanced expansion of agriculture and industry, and an increasingly vibrant, market-oriented financial system. The authors, who served as advisors to the Indonesian Government, are well placed to provide a unique insider account