Disappointing Seminar

Disappointing Seminar

From Gatra

I was particularly interested in the two-day seminar as advertised in Kompas on Dec. 2, 1994, adopting the theme Welcoming Tax Reform 1995. The seminar was held by the Association of Students of Administrative Science, School of Social Science and Politics, University of Indonesia. Noted speakers were listed in the seminar's program. They were among others: Mar'ie Muhammad, the Finance Minister, Fuad Bawazier, Director General of Tax, Aburizal Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prof Dr Dorodjatun Kuncoro Yakti, a dean at University of Indonesia.

Unfortunately, the above mentioned speakers were not available for the seminar. The Finance Minister and the Director General were said to have been summoned by the House of Representatives for a hearing. Whereas Aburizal Bakrie and Dorodjatun were not present for unclear reasons.

I was disappointed at the way the committee managed the seminar. By listing the names of prominent figures as speakers at the seminar, the committee attracted many participants who were charged Rp 600,000 each. I was told that around 450 interested participants were present at the seminar.

The House could not have summoned the Finance Minister for a hearing so suddenly. Usually, in my experience, the House gives notice of some 10 days in advance for such an event.

I wish the committee had been more professional.

E. MAWARDI

Jakarta