A puzzled nation?

A puzzled nation?

From Media Indonesia

Leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) have
decided to give up their luxury car facilities and expect more
modest ones instead.

In economic terms, those above the average standard of living
lead a luxurious existence whereas those below these standards
are in poor condition. In this way, Volvo sedans worth Rp 300
million per unit are luxury cars.

But if we observe main roads in Jakarta or other major cities,
Volvo cars are no longer luxuries because more expensive cars
like BMW X-5s, costing Rp 1 billion per unit, can be found. Even
governors, some regents and other officials have used Volvos.

So, the question is what criteria should be applied. Though we
should indeed live in modesty, the point from which we should
start needs to be discussed.

By rejecting Volvo cars, and then demanding the withdrawal of
such facilities from public officials, have we taken the right
action? Won't it just be counter productive?

As part of the public has supported the movement to return
luxury cars for public officials, it just indicates how the
nation is now puzzled, without being able to see our own
achievements.

HARTANTO
Jakarta