Award for 'Bang' Ali

The Indonesian Institute of Sciences presented the Sarwono Award to former Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin for his great efforts in developing marine science and technology. On Saturday Ali, better known as Bang Ali, also received the Cipta Utama Award from the Jakarta Arts Council for his vision to build the Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center (TIM) among other art centers.

The 75-year-old retired marine general has also received awards from Yogyakarta for his achievement in promoting batik in the 1970s.

Last year Ali was also awarded for his initiative in the establishment of the badminton club, Jaya Raya, which has produced world champion shuttlers.

The phenomenal 'Bang' Ali should always be remembered as the visionary behind the Lembaga Bantuan Hukum (Legal Aid Institute), and the construction of youth centers in the five mayoralties of the capital.

While Jakarta is busy with the election of governor for the 2002-2007 term, awards for Ali make us think what kind of governor Jakarta really needs. It is not that easy to find a governor who can implement his bright visions and ideas like Ali Sadikin could.

The outspoken Ali is a staunch critic of his successors' policies who have been progressively destroying what he built and managed. Not one of his successors has taken his advice or responded positively to his criticism. It is no wonder then, that what we have now is a chaotic capital city.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta

Thieves will always steal

The Indonesian Navy nabbed seven foreign dredging vessels for alleged illegal sand mining in late July. Last week, a marine sand exploitation control team, headed by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Rokhmin Dahuri, decided to bring the case to the court.

But the team also decided to exempt the seven vessels from being confiscated and instead to use them on loan and to impose a fine. Our question: Can the team make sure the vessels will not sail away?

It was rumored the case would be settled by payment of a fine Then there was also a rumor about bribery worth millions of U.S. dollars.

A day before this controversial decision, a marine sand businessman from Singapore met Minister Dahuri. Singapore needs marine sand for its coastal reclamation, a project that actually reduces Indonesia's territorial waters. One can smell illegal business in this case.

That's why Indonesia has tightened its control over sand mining. Unfortunately, the marine sand exploitation control team has not taken firm action against the detained vessels. Remember, thieves will be thieves. The government must not succumb to them. The team must announce who has hired the vessels. Or, perhaps keeping their names secret also means making money? -- Republika, Jakarta

Stubborn legislators

We thought at first that neglect, recklessness or, perhaps, a protest of sorts was the reason why 155 legislators -- members of both the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the House of Representatives (DPR) -- have not yet submitted the declaration of their wealth and assets to the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN).

However, by virtue of Law No. 28/1999, MPR Decree No. XI/1998 and the code of conduct of the House of Representatives, it is mandatory for legislators to submit this list to the KPKPN.

Of course, there must be reasons why the legislators are reluctant to declare their wealth. Some may prefer to declare their wealth by showing it off. Others may feel awkward because their official earnings cannot justify their wealth. Or, perhaps, they may not have legal evidence of their assets. KPKPN understands this situation and has been quite tolerant to a certain extent.

However, in this reform era, transparency is the order of the day. Legislators and state officials must realize that their respected, exalted position entails consequences, one of which is transparency.

As the MPR/DPR is tasked with ensuring that the government run on the right track, these institutions need the credibility and respect of their members.

Rome is not built overnight. It is now time for the MPR/DPR members to prove themselves worthy of being called the people's representatives. -- Kompas, Jakarta