Clean government needed

We must not forget that the establishment of a clean government with authority is not only a present necessity, it would also constitute an account, given by the New Order to the Indonesian people. It would be difficult for people to imagine this nation going into a new era, led by a government that is not clean and lacks authority.

A government that isn't clean will have a hard time maintaining its authority. Without authority, a government would be compelled to establish a structure of power to ensure that the government mechanism will be able to function optimally, and this will cause it to digress from the principles contained in the constitution. Digression from the constitution would mean that whatever is stipulated by the Broad Outlines of State Policy is no more than empty rhetoric and political window dressing.

This is why it is surprising so many objections were raised against the proposed construction of the necessary hardware and software to curb corruption and the leaking of development funds. In any other country that professes to be democratic and open, the requirement for government officials to declare their own and their family's wealth, both before and after their tenures, is considered normal. In Indonesia, on the other hand, high-ranking officials are reacting to such proposed legislation with dismay.

We all have an interest in being able to breathe clean air -- air that reflects the prevalence of stability in every sector of our lives, and this is possible only if a sound, clean and authoritative government exists.

-- Merdeka, Jakarta