0811109949

That is, arguably, the most famous cellular phone number in the country -- along with a few popular TV reality show and game show phone-in numbers, of course.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in a display of public relations bravado blurted out his private number, which he has had for several years.

The President's intention of allowing for a more participatory government is welcome. Inviting public input is a sign of a responsible democratic government.

Such measures, however, are not a new innovation. South Korea under president Roh Moo-hyun, for example, introduced a website to which the public could submit their concerns. Even before the advent of modern technology, since the time of president Soeharto, similar channels for complaint existed with the introduction of a special post office box.

However, unlike his predecessors, Susilo's offer was ill- prepared.

Within 24-hours of his announcement, Susilo received thousands of text messages. The result: the phone lines were jammed.

What did the President expect?

Only after the system crashed were experts called in to find an alternative solution. It can only be assumed that the President had no intention of giving out his number before enthusiasm got the better of him.

Admittedly, the President was under pressure to deliver by an audience who had been invited, in a moment of public relations grandstanding, to call him to report officials' misconduct.

The palace has announced the provision of additional numbers for the public to air complaints and suggestions. Although, the haphazard way in which the affair continues to be managed only signals lack of forethought.

Time and time again, in his eight months as President, have we seen Susilo carefully engaging in popular, albeit often substantively insignificant enterprises, to win public affinity.

That is all very well, and in fact a common ploy in politics, but of what use has this deluge of messages been to the President?

The palace has not detailed any scheme as to how these messages will be sorted, assessed and followed up with action. Will palace staff now be occupied reading text messages, many of which are likely pranks?

There must be a more effective and efficient system of obtaining information for the President if he really wants the 'scoop' on the performance of his subordinates in the regions.

Not every public concern can go directly to the President. At every level of administration -- from community, regional to national -- there should be a mechanism that accommodates public complaints. If considered ineffective, then internal reform is needed. Not a new cell phone number.

Opening the floodgates, as Susilo did, could only bring about mayhem. The President and his aides have surely been bombarded by superfluous information that includes, according to his spokesman, offers to purchase lucky charms.

Text messages are not necessary to work out that corruption and economic hardships are the public's greatest grievances.

Maybe Susilo's desire to solicit direct public response is a sign of his growing frustration over the performance of the bureaucracy. If that be the case then tinkering with technology will do little, in the long run, to enhance accountability.

Susilo has said being reachable is important. Yet, while most Jakartans have a cell phone, the majority of Indonesians do not. When the nutrition of many is inadequate and chronic undernourishment has been reported in some areas, is sending a text message going to have any impact? Is it even an option?

What Susilo needs to do now is to buckle down to work on a long-term effective program for governance reform.

Having the common touch is not enough. Real accomplishment could take weeks or months. Susilo's 'exhibitionism' makes him look like a politician running for election tomorrow.

The President must get 'serious' and let the voters judge in 2009.

If by that time all Indonesians have the means to buy a cell phone, then he will have proved his worth.