Better communication needed

Better communication needed

The Supreme Court chairman, Sudomo, has suggested that
government officials start to communicate more intensively with
the public. The same suggestion was also raised by head of the
National Intelligence Coordinating Body, Lt. Gen. (ret.)
Moetojib.

The suggestion was raised by the two officials in the context
of efforts to prevent social upheavals. It is a valuable
suggestion, but to make it possible an agreement firstly has to
be reached on the format of the communication that is to take
place.

For instance, any form of communication would be ineffective
if in meetings between government officials and representatives
of the public only one side made itself heard -- which is usually
the government side. Effectiveness would also be lacking if a
meeting was to be held merely to keep up appearances and to
justify the claim that communication already exists.

Our paternalist and feudal culture and the complexity of the
problems involved are among reasons those in positions of
leadership are inclined to adapt a "father knows best" attitude
and that all others had better accept our judgment.

Through discussions which are held in a spirit of give and
take and in which all participants are willing to listen to each
other, problems are shared and a common solution is sought. And
since development implies the introduction of various aspects of
social dynamics -- either intended or unintended -- communication
must be made on a continuing basis.

-- Kompas, Jakarta