Discipline doesn't pay

From Neraca

Since the government launched the National Discipline Movement recently, I have been trying to discipline myself. But often being disciplined is not always to your advantage. Quite to the contrary, it is often counter-productive because of the other undisciplined citizens in the capital.

For instance, I try to board the bus at the bus stop, but it is assaulted by passengers before it reaches the bus stop. Needless to say I am the last one on. In the end, I too joined the fray in order to get a seat in the bus.

This applies to parties as well. When I am on time I have to wait before the party begins. My precious time is wasted by the undisciplined behavior of others and I have to endure boredom and unhappiness.

Isn't it odd that discipline only puts you on the losing end? Those who take short cuts, getting on and off the bus wherever they want, seem to be doing all right. If this is tolerated, and people pay no fines, when will Jakarta become an orderly and safe city?

In markets, sellers dump rubbish in gutters and ditches. Other traders display their wares on pavements without any consideration for the public, like in Jatinegara.

It is indeed hard to make them orderly citizens since they are being made to pay retribution fees by officials.

We do not know if these "fees" go into the coffers of the government or the pockets of these officials.

E.S. SUJATMIKO

Bekasi