Appeal for modest living

Appeal for modest living

From Kompas

The Minister of Agriculture has followed in the footsteps of the speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly, who rejected a luxury car and accommodation. The move may also be imitated by other ministers of the new Cabinet.

The time has come now for the President to declare a "modest living movement" as part of the 100-day program of the Cabinet. This drive could be coupled with the elimination of corruption, collusion and nepotism.

As suggested in the campaign theme of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono -- which was to introduce a change -- there should a change from luxury living to modest living.

All luxurious presidential facilities, therefore, should be kept to a minimum. This would surely be followed by ministers, director generals and secretary-generals.

Sooner or later, the movement will also influence the country's legislative and judicial institutions. In this way, large sums of public funds could be saved.

ASRIL ADLIS Jakarta