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