Change of govt officials a must

As we know, government officials or bureaucrats are all appointed. It is not a job or position they acquire through education and (special) training, although some might have been "prepared" or have aimed to be one.

Ministers, for example, are Presidential aides, and, like the President himself, they serve a limited term, which means their positions are temporary. Being bureaucrats and Presidential aides, they are assigned and have a duty to deliver, that is, to serve the public.

Their position is certainly not a way of advancement, nor is it a source of money, let alone one whereby a fortune is raised. Besides, they originally come from various professions, and as soon as they conclude their terms, they will have to go back to their original profession. It is obvious, therefore, that government officials are not a profession. Since it is not a profession, there is no reason for them to stay in the bureaucracy permanently.

This, however, is not fully understood and taken into consideration by many, if not most, of our present bureaucrats. In fact, what happens is quite the opposite. Bureaucrats tend to remain in the bureaucracy as long as they can. A change of position is not a problem as long as it is still within the bureaucracy circle. Such movements suggests they have no profession to turn to or anywhere to go.

For example, note how long Ali Alatas has been the minister of foreign affairs. Or his colleague, Ginandjar Kartasasmita, who started his service as minister of mines and energy a long time ago. Or Akbar Tandjung, who was minister of people's housing before he was appointed as minister of state secretary, the position he now holds. One cannot but be "impressed", not only by how long they have retained and may continue to keep their positions, but also how they have "jumped" from one position or one field to another.

State officials are public servants who should serve the people without siding with any particular group, let alone be absent from their duties simply to serve their own interests and obtain their own satisfaction on the state's money. Holiday is a holiday, away or free from work or duties.

There have been many discourses about the myriad problems this nation is currently facing; everyone seems to agree that the upcoming elections are the answer to the problems. They are the cornerstone as well as the beginning of a new and improved Indonesian future. This, however, all depends on how honest, fair, transparent and democratic the elections are carried out. For such conditions to prevail, every endeavor is required to make them happen and all efforts to the cause must be welcomed and supported.

There is no doubt that this line of thought is absolutely true. This alone, however, is not enough. Elections attempts must also be made in order to derive a new and fresh government, by preventing the present ruling regime from retaining its power or winning. Having been in power for decades, it certainly no longer has anything to offer. As a matter of fact, it appears to have lost its sound reasoning and insight -- if it ever did have one -- toward a new and improved Indonesia.

Bearing all this in mind, and remembering that power without legitimacy cannot be tolerated, there is no room for doubt that the ruling Golkar Party cannot and must not be maintained.

MATIAS SINAGA

Surabaya, East Java