A poor example

Everything is relative, so the popular saying goes. What is a luxury item to one person -- like a Rp 300 million late model imported German BMW 318i, for example -- may be a mere trifle to another.

Drawing from this line of reasoning, Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib's recent presentation of such cars to several of his deputies is entirely understandable. In the feudal New Order mind-set perpetuated during the past 30 years among Indonesian officialdom, bureaucrats embody state power and are entitled to be bestowed with special tokens of rank and dignity. It is all part of the package of power.

This probably explains why, even under present crisis conditions, the attorney general seemed to feel it was entirely natural to ask the public to "understand" this act of what most Indonesians certainly would regard as luxury goods of the highest order, if not an extravagance. His subordinates need them so they can better perform their professional duties, with the aforesaid dignity befitting their status, of course, although this was left unsaid.

While there is no reason to doubt that the attorney general had only the best intentions in mind when he made the presentation and when he asked the public for their understanding, the unfortunate and unavoidable impression left is that living extravagantly is the norm for top officials, even in a sobering crisis.

It is a painful conclusion to arrive at, considering that about half the country's population is living below the poverty line due to the economic breakdown. And it makes a mockery of the calls made by various officials, up to President B.J. Habibie, for Indonesians to live frugally to help themselves and others laid low by economic turmoil.

This also explains the outcry which Ghalib's act has caused despite his appeal for understanding, not only among the public at large, but among members of the House of Representatives, professionals and community leaders as well.

It would have been easier for the public to accept and understand had the Attorney General's Office and the deputy attorney generals in question been able to satisfy people's demands for a speedy and thorough investigation of all acts of corruption, collusion and nepotism that people suspect have been committed under Soeharto's New Order regime. Instead, Indonesians have been frustrated by what they perceive as sluggishness at best, and intentional foot-dragging at worst, in the investigation.

We are not against government officials receiving their due benefits or rewards. Incentives and rewards have their place in government offices as anywhere else. However, considerations of performance and propriety must not be overlooked, especially where the spending of public money is involved. In the present environment of unrest and destitution, it is disturbing indeed to see that a sense of crisis and emergency still eludes the higher echelons of our bureaucracy.

With the glare of public attention shining on him, it is now up to Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib to either establish a good name for his office or allow it to be irrevocably spoiled.