Discipline vital to the nation<\/p>\n
I think a lack of discipline in various sectors has so far
\nbeen one of the main causes of stagnation in development, as well
\nas corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN). We in Indonesia are
\nstill lagging behind not only the advanced and newly
\nindustrialized countries but also some developing countries in
\nupholding discipline in the daily life of the people.<\/p>\n
Look for example at the attitude of people on the road. Many
\ndrivers simply do not pay enough attention to the traffic
\nregulations, which results in traffic jams or even traffic
\naccidents that often claim lives.<\/p>\n
It is true that a rapid growth in the number of vehicles that
\nis not followed by construction of new roads has contributed to
\nthe traffic hazards. This is not to mention the undisciplined bus
\ndrivers who more often than not pick up and drop passengers at
\nawkward places, worsening the situation on the roads.<\/p>\n
Lack of discipline is also found in various ministries, as
\nreflected by the frequent reports on abuse of public funds.
\nDisciplinary measures must be taken against ministries that are
\ninvolved in malpractice, irrespective of whom the culprits may
\nbe.<\/p>\n
In fact the list of indiscplined actions prevailing in this
\ncountry can be surprisingly long. In other words indisciplined
\npractices also exist in such sectors as construction works,
\neducational institutions, forestry and in families. Every year
\npeople living in certain areas have to deal with floods or forest
\nfires; and now and then, we witness student brawls, violent
\nskirmishes between residents of neighboring kampongs, etc. All
\nthese are the result of a lack of discipline prevailing in our
\nsociety.<\/p>\n
Former president Soeharto, when he was in power, launched \"a
\nnational discipline drive\" to enhance the sense of discipline of
\nthe public nationwide. This call got a positive response from
\nministries, non-governmental institutions and
\ndepartment stores as they displayed banners with the slogan \"We
\nsupport the enhancement of national discipline\".<\/p>\n
However, despite this nationwide drive, everything remained
\nthe same. There are no signs of significant improvement as far as
\nthe behavior of society is concerned. KKN was hardly affected by
\nthe so-called national discipline drive. \"Enhancing the national
\ndiscipline\" was nothing but an empty slogan.<\/p>\n
To improve national discipline is a long process. It may take
\na generation or two until a sense of discipline is deeply rooted
\nin the heart of every individual citizen.<\/p>\n
In this context we hail President Megawati Soekarnoputri's
\nstatement in her inaugural address that discipline, favorable
\npolitical climate and cooperation among all elements of society
\nare a prerequisite to solve the multi-faceted crisis facing the
\nnation at present.<\/p>\n
SOEDARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/discipline-vital-to-the-nation-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }