Civil servants need education and training

Civil servants need education and training

JAKARTA (JP): A weakening sense of morality is just one sign that more needs to be spent on the education and training of the city's lower level civil servants, said a councilor of the Indonesian Democratic Party.

The case of a servant who was raped two weeks ago with the knowledge of Central Jakarta security and order officials, "is a sign that civil servants are in urgent need of moral guidance," councilor Budihardjo said.

In yesterday's presentation of the city's proposed budget, he said the PDI was disappointed with the allocation of only 10 percent for the education and training of civil servants.

Of the Rp 2.84 trillion (US$1.3 billion) proposed for the 1996/1997 budget, only Rp 12.46 billion will be set aside for training programs.

Budihardjo read a statement from his party which said that honest and fair officials are imperative nowadays.

"Citizens who are more aware of their rights and obligations... will inevitably demand better facilities, services, and protection," the councilor said.

Training is "strategic", he said, especially in light of the Jan. 25 rape case, which has done little to assure citizens of their safety.

The PDI and Golkar factions also voiced their concern with the routine violations of the city's land allocation plans, which have led to a dwindling number of water catchment sites.

Coordination

Both factions urged the administration to evaluate the plans up until the year 2005 to avoid further violations.

To increase coordination with neighboring areas and to safeguard these sites, the PDI has proposed the establishment of an institution higher than the existing Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi Development Coordinating Board (BKSP Jabotabek), which has failed to supervise development in Greater Jakarta.

For better flood control, the Golkar faction urged the central government to help the city administration complete construction of its new flood control systems, many of which are being held up due to financing problems.(anr)