Governing via text messages<\/p>\n
Ong Hock Chuan, Jakarta<\/p>\n
We in Indonesia are so fortunate to have a President who
\nembraces technology. After giving out his cell phone number and
\nsetting up an \"SMS-line\" for public complaints, the tech-savvy
\nPresident has now taken a bold next step: SMS-ing all and sundry
\nto \"stop drug abuse and drug-related crimes right now.\"<\/p>\n
Sent as part of a ceremony to commemorate the International
\nDay Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Tuesday, this
\nmessage was sent to millions of Indonesians fortunate enough to
\nhave a cell phone and, therefore, a message from the President
\nhimself.<\/p>\n
The odd cynic or two, as usual, will criticize the Indonesian
\nPresident for being ill-advised by spin doctors to once again
\nengage in a love affair with the SMS. No doubt they will be
\nproven wrong months from now when a survey, probably sponsored by
\ntelecommunications operators, shows a dramatic drop in the number
\nof drug addicts across the nation.<\/p>\n
The cynics also miss the point: We here in Indonesia have a
\nPresident on the cutting edge of a new form of government that
\neven George Bush, president of the world's most technologically-
\nadvanced country, is yet to cotton on to: Governing via SMS.<\/p>\n
This form of communication is efficient, it is intimate (all
\nof us are now SMS buddies with SBY), and it is direct. What more
\ndoes one need to bring about positive change in society?<\/p>\n
In the spirit of encouraging this daring, innovative
\nbreakthrough in governing the masses, here's a list of major ills
\nand the kinds of messages that the President could SMS in
\nresponse to them, taking into account modern data mining
\ntechnology that can identify specific groups of people.<\/p>\n
Civil Servants: STOP MEETING. Stop lengthy and pointless
\nmeetings now. Let us have an efficient public service that
\nactually serves the public.<\/p>\n
Illegal DVD vendors at Ratu Plaza: STOP PIRACY. Stop selling
\npirated DVDs. Let us have a nation where the expatriates do not
\nknow where to buy illegal DVDs.<\/p>\n
Public transportation drivers: STOP STOPPING. Just stop
\nstopping in the middle of the road. Let us have a nation where
\npublic transportation vehicles actually stop where they are
\nsupposed to -- by the side of the road.<\/p>\n
Tax Department: STOP SHAKING DOWN TAXPAYERS. Stop finding gray
\nareas of the law with which to extort honest taxpayers. Let us
\ncollect some tax from the tax avoiders instead.<\/p>\n
Customs and other law-enforcement agencies: STOP TAKING
\nBRIBES. Stop taking bribes this very minute. Let us, for a
\nchange, be protected by you guys rather than be a victim of your
\nrapacity.<\/p>\n
Traffic police: STOP STOPPING. Stop stopping cars for minor
\ninfringements so you can ask for bribes. Let us have instead a
\nnation of smooth traffic because of the strict enforcement of
\nroad laws.<\/p>\n
Politicians: STOP NATO. Stop preening and grandstanding now.
\nLet us have a House where its members represent the interests of
\nthe electorate rather than their egos and wallets.<\/p>\n
Non-governmental organizations: STOP THE NEGATIVITY. Stop
\nfinding fault with the government all the time. Let us instead be
\nfair, something that you all preach.<\/p>\n
By sending specific messages to these groups -- hopefully
\nrepeatedly so that the message gets reinforced -- we should be
\nable to see positive changes in society.<\/p>\n
But now that the government has set off on the technology
\nroad, why stop there. How about a presidential blog? Or if that's
\nnot hip enough, the nerds are talking about podcasts as the next
\nbig thing in cutting edge communications.<\/p>\n
Technology, however, can be tricky. As the President ventures
\nforth with such bold initiatives, he may need to target another
\ngroup with a specific message:<\/p>\n
Cell phone users: STOP CALLING ME. Stop calling my cell phone
\nor SMS-ing me. Use my other phone number instead. I have a
\ncountry to run.<\/p>\n
Ong Hock Chuan is a partner at maverick, a public relations
\nconsultancy specializing in crisis and issues management. He's
\ncontactable at ong@maverick.co.id. He does not accept SMSs.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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