The intensified call for efficiency is resounding once again. The\nglobal energy supply crisis, caused by the US-Israel versus Iran war and\nthe closure of the Strait of Hormuz, serves as the trigger.<\/p>\n
However, as often happens, efficiency frequently stops at the level\nof a slogan and does not fully materialise into actual practice in our\ngovernment\u2019s governance, both at the central and regional levels.<\/p>\n
The polemic surrounding the renovation of the regional head\u2019s\nofficial residence in the East Kalimantan provincial government, valued\nat tens of billions of rupiah, provides a concrete example of this\nparadox.<\/p>\n
On one hand, the government urges all elements of the state to\neconomise. On the other, non-urgent public spending continues as if\nunburdened. This is where the issue of governmental ethics regarding\nwhat is appropriate or not becomes relevant.<\/p>\n
Administratively, the renovation of the official residence is not\nsomething wrong. Such facilities are indeed provided to support\ngovernment officials\u2019 performance.<\/p>\n
When the public faces economic pressures\u2014purchasing power declining,\nprices of necessities rising\u2014the use of large budgets for non-priority\ninterests becomes difficult to accept.<\/p>\n
Good government leaders must not only comply with rules but also be\nsensitive to the conditions of the people.<\/p>\n
This is where the importance of a \u201csense of crisis\u201d comes in.\nGovernment leaders are required not merely to execute budgets already\ndesigned by the bureaucracy, but also to dare to evaluate and adjust\npriorities.<\/p>\n
Budgets are not dead documents; they must prioritise the interests of\nthe wider public over self-interest.<\/p>\n
Indeed, in many cases, budgets such as those for renovating official\nresidences and work spaces of regional heads or their deputies have been\nplanned long before they are inaugurated.<\/p>\n
However, this fact does not automatically erase moral responsibility.\nLeadership is truly tested by the ability to read situations and take\nstances, rather than merely following procedures.<\/p>\n
This polemic also highlights the gap between technocratic rationality\nand public perception.<\/p>\n
In politics, public perception is a reality that cannot be ignored.\nOnce the public deems a policy insensitive, trust in the leader will\nerode\u2014and it is difficult to restore.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/efficiency-loses-its-meaning-1776142259", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }