Election promises

Election promises

The election is over. The national political picture is clear.
Although protests were heard from certain corners, this has not
influenced the recent results in which the dominant Golkar won an
overwhelming majority, followed by the United Development Party
(PPP) leaving the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) far behind.

There are two categories of people. One is the glamorous
campaigner who played their role prior to the election, and the
other one is the conscientious government official whose role is
to translate the promises into reality, which is a very difficult
task.

During the campaign, all kinds of promises like the
elimination of corruption and collusion, improvement of the
bureaucracy and eradication of poverty were made public, focusing
attention on the fate of the "small people".

These campaigners, speaking to huge crowds, promising all
kinds of good things, enlivened by film stars, dangdut music and
singers, instantly became public heroes.

They became well-known and popular, and some experienced a
sudden rise from oblivion into limelight. Becoming public heroes,
cheered hysterically during their speeches, carried on the
shoulders of their supporters, is a new and exciting feeling. It
must be nice to be adored by the people.

But now the campaign is over and the "festival of democracy"
has finished. What remains is promises to be translated into
reality. That is the prime demand of the people and that was what
they voted for. And it is here the honor and credibility of the
election participants, especially the winner, is at stake.

They must start thinking seriously about how all those
promises can be realized to maintain the people's trust. Those
who are given the task to fulfill those promises face a difficult
time. Shouting promises before huge crowds is not as difficult as
trying to make them a reality.

It needs serious planning and careful consideration of steps
which should be taken. It is hard work, with no cheering crowds,
no dangdut bands or beautiful female singers, only four walls,
typewriters or computers and endless meetings, which often go
long into the night.

The officials have a heavy responsibility and if they fail,
the wrath of the people will fall upon them. But this is life,
some have a good time and become public heroes and some have to
carry the burden of fulfilling promises and remain obscure.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta