Corruption and accountability

When western nations, multilateral organizations and businesses, who have operated in Indonesia for forty years or more, talk about good governance and the problems of doing business in Indonesia, they should use their own yardsticks in making such judgments. "Let the man without sin, throw the first stone".

Life for the poor will be much better if the organizations with the power and ability to change things become a little more introspective, humble and open to suggestions from the democratically elected leaders and their officials -- whether in Jakarta, the provinces or districts.

The Indonesian people and their government cannot change the bureaucracy, policies and regulations or management at short notice. Change will only materialize through the active help and support of the media, investors and lenders. We must look seriously at the problems and offer solutions instead of writing vast tracts of criticism.

VIVEKANANTHAN, Jakarta