An era of ironies<\/p>\n
It has been widely reported and also shown on TV how motorists
\nare queuing at gasoline stations to fill their fuel tanks. This
\nis truly convincing evidence that Indonesia is facing a severe
\nenergy shortage. For most people this situation is beyond their
\ncomprehension. Why does Indonesia -- a member of the Organization
\nof Petroleum Exporting Countries, have to endure this sad
\nsituation?<\/p>\n
In this context, the government has seemingly shown concern by
\ntelling the people to be thriftier in using energy. President
\nSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono has even gone further by issuing a
\npresidential decree ordering all government agencies to cut the
\nuse of energy by reducing the use of air conditioners.<\/p>\n
The President has also set an example by wearing a short-
\nsleeved batik shirt instead of a suit and tie, so as to stay cool
\nwithout the use of air conditioning in the office.<\/p>\n
However, the good intention of the President has drawn
\npositive and negative reactions. Many people are showing their
\ndispleasure about the President's appeal because it is vague in
\nnature, and sanctions for the offenders have yet to be
\ndetermined.<\/p>\n
In the tourism sector, the presidential rulings are felt to
\nhave hurt the tourist industry. The policy being implemented is
\nlike rubbing salt into a wound.<\/p>\n
Still another sad contradiction can be witnessed; while the
\ngovernment is working hard for the effective implementation of
\nthe energy conservation drive, our legislators are aiming for a
\nrise in their salaries and allowances. The members of the House
\nof Representatives who are supposed to take care of the people's
\ninterests in reality have placed their own interests above those
\nof the people.<\/p>\n
Sad to say people are powerless and cannot do anything to
\nimprove their lot. Is this an era of ironies?<\/p>\n
NYOMAN SUWELA, Singaraja, Bali<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/an-era-of-ironies-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }