Feeling cheated

Somewhere in the dark a child cries, someone dies and humanity hides.

These prophetic words perfectly capture the contradictions that prevail in our daily lives; the sense of betrayal felt toward those whom we once held in high esteem.

Of broken promises, and deceptive oaths.

We -- the people, the subordinates, the laymen -- do not seek bounties or a glut of riches. What the everyday workers and common housewives ultimately seek is hope and to be treated fairly and with respect. To that end they bestow their trust, and are ready to endure for a greater good.

But that trust has been violated by deceptive schemes and mischievous means, damning hope to naught.

Those that can may still defend themselves with clever arguments and protestations. But in the end there can be no other conclusion but that they are cheating us, the people.

Many are facing the most demanding period of the year -- the Idul Fitri holiday -- with barely enough spending power to meet their daily needs as a result of the average 126 percent fuel price increases, while legislators unthinkingly give themselves an unmerited additional Rp 10 million (US$1,000) monthly allowance.

The elderly and sick jostle in the heat for their monthly Rp 100,000 ($100) in government assistance, while it is announced that the operational funds for the presidential and vice presidential offices have been increased to Rp 419 million.

Whether shameless, as is the case with the House of Representatives' allowance, or necessary due to an increase in state activities, these revelations come at the most inopportune of times.

A time when social jealousy is peaking. A time when prudence, not ostentatiousness, should be at the forefront.

These are the types of actions that create mistrust, that reinforce the perception that people of power and privilege can act with impunity, even at the expense of others.

A wise Indonesian once said "to lead is to suffer". This is a lesson seemingly lost on many of the present generation of leaders.

Most everyone would given themselves a raise during these times of pressing economic needs. But very few of us have the luxury that legislators do of setting our own salaries, irrespective of whether or not we deserve it.

And even if we could give ourselves a raise, the money would not be pinched from the sweat and resources of a nation in desperate economic circumstances.

In its 12 months in power, the administration of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been deliberate in projecting a frugal image. The President himself led an energy-saving campaign at all state offices, going so far as to encourage a switch to cooler wardrobes so air conditioners would not have to be set so low.

These efforts should be commended.

However, mixed signals are sent when the presidential and vice presidential offices so readily dip into the state coffers for a combined budgetary increase of Rp 525 million for 2006.

We understand that due to rising prices and increased activities larger budgets are needed. But this is, once again, the kind of largesse to which most people do not have access. This kind of privilege is only afforded to a government that has largely made most peoples' lives worse over the past few months.

People have the right to be jealous. And jealousy, if unchecked, leads to suspicion. When suspicion spills over, all that is left is a sense of detachment from a government that is dependent on the goodwill of the people.

Our esteemed leaders would be well advised to be more conscious of their actions.

The time is not right for revolt, but it is ripe for apathy. The kind of indifference that ignores social norms and policy guidelines. A social cacophony where everyone is for him/herself irrespective of the laws of the land.

You have been warned.