Cabinet must work hard

Cabinet must work hard

From Koran Tempo

Cool-headed and soft-spoken Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is also capable of making strong statements. Frankly speaking, I am surprised and glad to learn that Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on those currently engaged in the government to improve their ability, work hard, have a single vision and coordinate with one another, as Koran Tempo of Dec. 26, 2001 published.

The statement that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made after a meeting with President Megawati means that the Gotong Royong (mutual help) Cabinet has so far been slow to act and has yet to show its ability to work hard. Many ministers are still concerned with their own wishes and have yet to coordinate with other ministers. Many ministerial policies are still not in line with other policies. As a result, the crisis in this country continues.

I therefore support Susilo Bambang Yudhono's statement that ministers who do not want to think or work hard, as well as those who fail to coordinate with other ministers, had better resign. People have a limit in their patience to face this protracted crisis. The Cabinet has to first show its integrated performance and commitment if it wishes the people to unite and to endure the crisis.

I have no idea how the statement will turn into action by ministers who are lazy and think only about themselves. Ibu Megawati should have the courage to take stern measures against officials who have no sense of crisis.

In short, despite the lack of public trust in the Cabinet, we are happy that there is still a high-ranking state official willing to remind government circles of the importance of hard work. However, a statement alone isn't enough as the people want to see it realized.

BAMBANG HENDARDI

Depok, West Java