Creative corruption

Creative corruption

From Media Indonesia

A letter signed by Fernita Hidayat faxed to me by Pusat
Prestasi Indonesia (PPI/Indonesian Achievement Center) -- in
cooperation with the International Achievement Foundation -- said
that I was entitled to be awarded the "Indonesian Entrepreneur of
the Year", "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" and "The Best CEO
2003". Copies of addresses (on the awards) by the Minister of
Research and Technology and Minister of Manpower and
Transmigration, and the Jakarta governor, were also attached.
Only the address by the Minister of Research and Technology had
the ministry's letterhead.

Oh fantastic, just as I suspected, there was the inevitable
requirement for a minimum "contribution" of Rp 3 million,
covering a free ticket and entertainment on Feb. 7, 2003 at the
Grand Ballroom, Mandarin Hotel. All this obviously resulted from
"creativity and effort", but it lacked sophistication and
originality.

And what was most saddening was how a minister, and the
Minister of Research and Technology at that -- if his address was
genuine -- could have given a recommendation (for this award) in
the name of promoting human resources.

SARTONO MUKADIS

Jakarta

SARTONO MUKADIS

Jakarta