Autonomy and integrity

Autonomy and integrity

From Gamma

The central government should not be afraid of the proportional distribution of finances between the central and regional administrations in the implementation of regional autonomy and special autonomy. Autonomy should be implemented smoothly so that the regions are able to improve and develop faster in accordance with their capability as well as their pluses and minuses. Districts should also develop well and should not forget the unity and integrity within their respective provinces. The spirit of Indonesia's unity and integrity should be clearly seen.

Jakarta should not be the only place where smart people are found. Competitiveness should not only be found in the capital city of Jakarta but also in provinces and districts. Local people can lead their own regions provided that they are capable and are neither fanatical nor proud of their region. There should be no more closed regions. People from one region should be able to work in other regions. Regional administrations can have regulations to administer the workforce in the region for the sake of the regional prosperity. Yet, it should not restrict newcomers as long as they are able to adjust themselves to local customs.

We want to see all regions in Indonesia develop and prosper. There should be no more regions feeling excluded. Let's do away with the centralized administrative system. This bad treatment should not recur and all central government officers should be truly aware of it. The President can give sanctions to central officers who ignore this rule, and this will ensure that regional autonomy runs well and within good time.

In this regard, stability and security are needed. There should be nobody killed without legal punishment being imposed on the one responsible for the crime. We must condemn the murder of Theys Eluay, the Papuan Presidium Council chief and the killing of Aceh's university rector, and an assembly member. It seems that the perpetrators are professional killers. The natural wealth of Aceh, Riau, East Kalimantan and Papua should be managed well and correctly and should not be exploited by greedy individuals or groups. We should appreciate and respect our freedom fighters in Irian Jaya.

NASROEL ESKA

Jakarta