The new royalty<\/p>\n
Many of us are aware that the newly elected regents and mayors
\nwill feel like kings or queens when they take office. Until now,
\nmayors and regents were not directly elected by the people but
\nappointed by the central administration. Of course, this is
\nbecause this nation has taken another step forward in its
\ndemocracy.<\/p>\n
So far, no major upheavals have occurred in the regional
\nelections. Though, amid this climate, protests continue to be
\nheard over social welfare, for instance.<\/p>\n
Millions of ordinary people have been victimized by
\ninconsistencies in the policies of the central administration. By
\nelecting regents and mayors directly, the people are hopeful of
\nimprovements to health services, that food shortages will become
\na thing of the past, that kerosene will be plentiful and
\neducation easily available and cheap.<\/p>\n
Only, these overly optimistic people overlook that the fact
\nthat the new kings and queens -- mayors and regents -- will
\nperceive themselves as all powerful rather than as servants of
\nsociety. In other words, to gain from corruption they no longer
\nneed to wait for the central government.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the environment -- I mean the widespread corruption --
\nhas set a bad example. Who does not want to accumulate wealth?
\nThese kings and queens should bear in mind that they cannot
\nafford to disappoint the people.<\/p>\n
The promise in the independence proclamation of Aug. 17, 1945,
\ncould lead the people to think of another revolution, if they are
\ndisappointed.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-new-royalty-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }