'Cash aid will create a nation of beggars'

'Cash aid will create a nation of beggars'

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been in power for almost a
year now. How do the people perceive his administration? What are
its achievements and failures? The Jakarta Post interviewed
residents here to ask their views on the current government.

Hendri B. Satrio, 27, is a public relations consultant who
works on Jl. Sudirman, South Jakarta. He lives in Bekasi, West
Java.

I think the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
and Jusuf Kalla is more intelligent and transparent than former
president Megawati Soekarnoputri's. The time line of their
policies is more structured.

Aside from the peace agreement in Aceh, Susilo's achievements
include restoring the country's dignity in the eyes of the world.
No other post-New Order president has been able to do this.

However, many things still need to be taken care of. Bank
Indonesia's liquidity assistance (BLBI) has not been fully
repaid, while corruption is getting out of hand and the country's
education concept is becoming more unclear.

Furthermore, I think there's a strong sense of business
dealing and bargaining in this government, which throws suspicion
on many of its policies.

What I fear most is the government will approve the increase
in legislator's salaries by 65 percent in January.

Soni Astranto, 34, is a factory worker in Cimanggis, Depok. He
lives in Cibinong, Bogor.

In my opinion this government has not made any major
accomplishments that even come close to solving the root of some
of the country's problems.

For one thing, I don't think it's right for a government to
advise its people to buy kerosene because gas is too expensive.

The government should instead provide an alternative fuel.

The fuel compensation scheme, too, will only create a nation
of beggars; people will become lazy and will only be able to hold
out their hands for money.

During Megawati's government, our economy grew by 6 percent;
how come it's come down to 5.6 percent now? I think the
government should focus more on a people-oriented economy and
people's welfare programs so the economy can grow.

Don't just give the people fish, they need a fishing rod.

--The Jakarta Post