Confusing things rampant

I enjoyed reading your editorial of April 8, 1996 on the art of confusion. It is indeed true that many confusing things are happening in this country daily; however what you have revealed is only a small portion of them.

You are right to say that confusing statements or acts show a lack of responsibility, lack of compassion, a pervasive carelessness and self-righteousness, but it's a pity that you do not go further to the root of such attitudes. I believe we can even add that such an attitude shows arrogance, unprofessionalism, lack of honesty and integrity.

Arrogance may spring from the standpoint that "an official can do no wrong." It is unprofessional because a true professional really knows what, why, when and how to do things correctly. A professional will not avoid responsibility or the consequences of what he or she has done,

Lack of morals is another question here in Indonesia. As with discipline, which is like a lost pearl, moral issues have become crucial too as there are so many cases of corruption, collusion, manipulation etc. in almost every aspect of socio-political and economic life. The urgent question is: "Is there any way of stopping this decline in morality?" We all must make a serious effort to find the best remedy for the social ills before it is too late.

H.W.PIENANDORO

Bogor, West Java