Creative corruption

Sat, 11 Jan 2003

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

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