Fostering simpletons<\/p>\n
The last sentence of the May 8, 1996 editorial of The Jakarta
\nPost reflects the silly state of our press: \"...proper control
\nand supervision of state employees.\"<\/p>\n
Let me explain briefly, having been around since 1968 after
\nstudying in Germany and being involved in industry.<\/p>\n
We have been learning the hard way that every activity which
\nneeds more than one (ourselves) man, must cope with the needs of
\nthose employed to do the job (one need is income). Neglecting to
\ndo so is directly felt through the performance of those
\nemployees; low skill and productivity, low efficiency, low
\nintegrity. Just try to get a skilled, professional and honest
\ndriver in Jakarta for Rp 250,000 a month.<\/p>\n
In private enterprises neglecting the workers is punished
\nwithin a relatively short time span with the death of the
\nundertaking, after a period of suffering and muddling-through.
\nVery few state enterprises, however, are dealt death-blows since
\nmost of the time further subsidy -- converting state-banks loans
\ninto government equity -- prolongs their life.<\/p>\n
In government services (including the prisons) neglecting the
\nworkers leads to bribe taking, collusion and manipulation.
\nEntrepreneurs are driven by greed to pay the bribes, and on the
\nreceiving side it is primarily survival and then greed.<\/p>\n
The severe underpayment of the civil servants should instead
\nbe highlighted by the editors. Most readers are already cynical
\nand apathetic because the collusion around us is a reality. It is
\npart of daily survival for the receiving end. ID-card, passport,
\ndriver's license, importing and exporting goods, obtaining
\nbuilding licenses all require bribes. But the bribe takers are
\nnot to be blamed. Their incomes are only sufficient for 14 days a
\nmonth. Obviously only the echelon I live in can live free from
\nsuch pressures.<\/p>\n
I therefore urge the editors to refrain from such empty
\nrobotic phrasings which create simpletons and dwarfs. The
\neditors' pat phrases will not contribute to our continuous
\nsharpening and awareness, especially of our youth, by addressing
\nthe core of the problem.<\/p>\n
I hope my micro-contribution will make the next generation
\naware of this weakness.<\/p>\n
Y. SANTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/fostering-simpletons-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }