Dress for state occasions

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