Social insecurity<\/p>\n
Only hours after Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief announced
\nthat the controversial order to divert funds from the state-owned
\nsocial security firm Jamsostek was, in fact, a decision of the
\nPresident, we awoke Saturday morning to news that President
\nSoeharto would be taking a 10-day rest from his official duties.
\nWhat does this mean?<\/p>\n
Does it mean that by the time the President returns to
\nservice, the fervor for an explanation of Jamsostek will have
\nwaned? That official attention will by then have turned to other
\nproblems? That the government expects no further criticism
\nof this decision? That the President, on account of his age and
\nhis health, may not be asked to explain this use of the workers'
\nwelfare funds?<\/p>\n
It is imperative to examine the logic that was used to
\nconclude that use of public funds this way was acceptable. As an
\nardent adherent of Islam, President Soeharto understands that as
\nhuman beings we are fallible creatures who often must reflect on
\nour conduct and ask forgiveness for our flaws. Was it a flaw to
\nthink that funds could be diverted this way?<\/p>\n
Maybe flawed logic originated with the President, maybe with
\nan advisor. We will not know unless a transparent discussion of
\nthis matter continues. This is not to suggest that the President
\nwould ever deliberately misuse funds. Nevertheless, it is
\nimportant to examine the logic behind the decision, even if that
\nlogic belongs to the head of the nation.<\/p>\n
The President himself has publicly insisted that he does not
\nwant to be made into a cult figure. A cult figure is one whom the
\npeople will follow blindly. President Soeharto does not welcome
\nthis type of blind following; he has encouraged the people to
\nreflect on his continued candidacy for the presidency and his
\nfitness. It is clear, then, that President Soeharto does not
\nbelieve he is above examination.<\/p>\n
Let all Indonesians honor the President's words and his
\nwishes. There may be those who think that in view of the
\nPresident's need for rest, it may be better not to continue an
\ninvestigation of the Jamsostek funds.<\/p>\n
But the President himself will welcome the opportunity to have
\nthis matter examined so that any errors may be corrected for the
\ngood of the nation, and so that those in error may ask
\nforgiveness. Letting this matter fade into peaceful oblivion
\nwould be a disservice to the President. By continuing to
\ninvestigate, the investigators are strengthening the
\nPresident.<\/p>\n
The presidency will emerge stronger from this national
\nreflection on the use of public funds. Either the people will see
\nthat the decision to use the funds this way was the best decision
\nfor the workers, or the responsible people will see the errors of
\nlogic that led to this conclusion, and will not repeat them.<\/p>\n
People want to examine the President's logic, not his guilt.
\nHis advisors should not shield the President from this
\nopportunity to let the nation see his strength.<\/p>\n
Shielding the President would be not only a disservice but
\npossibly an insult, as if to suggest that on the eve of the
\nelections he is not strong enough to handle this.<\/p>\n
The search for lessons should not be abandoned just because
\nthe President will have a brief rest. He is, we are assured by
\nMinister\/State Secretary Moerdiono, in good health. President
\nSoeharto himself will be the one most eager to lift the Jamsostek
\ndecision to the light of public scrutiny so that all may benefit
\nfrom this, and so that there is no temptation to make him a cult
\nfigure. Let the inquiry continue promptly.<\/p>\n
DONNA K. WOODWARD<\/p>\n
Medan, North Sumatra<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/social-insecurity-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }