Learning to be thrifty<\/p>\n
Simple things sometimes become very complicated because of a
\nsimple lack of empathy. Here in Indonesia there are many examples
\nof this, the latest being the purchase of a Rp 70 billion mansion
\nto serve as the (official) residence for the head of Indonesia's
\npermanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva.<\/p>\n
There is certainly nothing questionable about the purchase, as
\nfar as official procedures are concerned. The reason the purchase
\nbecame official only last month was due to local rules requiring
\na three-month waiting period for the purchase of property by non-
\ncitizens.<\/p>\n
The question is not the purchase itself, but the timing.<\/p>\n
The burden placed on the state budget has been made publicly
\nknown on numerous occasions, the increase in fuel prices being
\none of the consequences of this burden.<\/p>\n
What seems ironic is the timing of the decision to purchase a
\nstate \"asset\" that seems to have very little to do with public
\ninterests, while other areas that are more pressing have not been
\naddressed.<\/p>\n
Even if the funds already had been allocated for the mansion,
\nthe purchase could have been called off. Any fine incurred for
\ncanceling the deal would have been nothing compared to the
\nsympathy and support gained by making such a gesture.
\n-- Koran Tempo, Jakarta<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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