Dress for state occasions

From Media Indonesia

On state TV, we often see high-ranking government officials and their spouses attending official occasions. The officials' dress (reflecting national culture) is often of high quality. Usually the officials wear uniformed batik. The most surprising aspect is that the clothes are worn only once. On the next occasion they wear different clothes.

Regardless of the origin of the financing, either from the state or individuals or sponsors, the expenditure must be high. This is contrary to the simple lifestyle heralded by the New Order. Let us compare the situation in Singapore, our neighbor. Its officials also often hold inaugural ceremonies, but they are dressed in ordinary clothes. In Indonesia, on the pretext of national culture or domestic product promotion, large amounts of money are squandered.

I feel I need to bring up the subject in the context of the terrifying economic crisis plaguing our country. There are still occasions attended or inducted by the President where the old ways prevail: wastefulness in the way of dressing. In the current drawn-out crisis I would suggest that this way of dressing should be abandoned.

ADHI SUKMONO

Jakarta