Admiring corruptors

A number of disturbing observations have been made of late by some of our high ranking state officials. One of the latest was made by Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat and concerns the impression which exists among the poor that the Armed Forces (ABRI) are siding with the rich. And now a no less disturbing observation is made by Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo. Our people, according to Siswono, have a greater respect for philanthropic corruptors than for honest individuals. This is reason for concern because in the minister's view it is a condition that encourages corruption.

Why do our people attach such a great value to material wealth? It seems that this situation cannot be separated from our development outlook which in practice emphasizes the economic element and neglects the aspect of moral guidance. It seems that our objective of elevating our people in all their human aspects must be done with more than merely lofty concepts.

Inconsistencies still separate our stated moral outlook from the existing realities. From elementary school upwards, our children are brought up with dreams of the kind of success that is based on economic parameters since only those who succeed in economic terms can achieve respected positions in society.

The thriving of corruption and collusion is also not to be separated from the growth of permissiveness in society. Minor violations are tolerated and no corrective measures are taken.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta