Feisal criticizes ministers who have yet to show modesty
Feisal criticizes ministers who have yet to show modesty
The Jakarta Post Jakarta
State Minister of Administrative Reforms Feisal Tamin expressed concern on Friday over the reluctance among some of his colleagues to abandon suits and ties despite the government's newly launched drive for modest lifestyles.
"Symbolically, they have not shown any solidarity (in supporting the drive)," Feisal said after meeting with nearly 100 first-echelon officials who hold top-rank positions, ranging from ministry directors general and secretaries general to secretaries to coordinating ministers.
During the meeting Feisal explained instructions he had issued on Dec. 24, 2001, which were aimed at reducing what was termed unnecessary consumption.
The instructions, issued by the state minister of administrative reforms, place limits on use of stationery and set out typing guidelines designed to save paper.
The instructions also stipulate guidelines for modest lifestyles among state officials and ministries, which includes toning down office anniversaries to mere flag-raising ceremonies, as parties were now strictly prohibited.
The dress code for state officials is also toned down for most occasions, from the customary suit and tie to short- or long- sleeved dress shirts to at least give the impression of modesty.
The instructions, contained in the state ministry's regulation No. 357/2001, fully backed by President Megawati Soekarnoputri according to Feisal, were designed to enhance efficiency in all government offices.
However, Feisal said, there were still three ministers who wore suits at a Cabinet meeting at the State Secretariat in Jakarta on Thursday.
"Without suits do they feel that they are no longer ministers?" he asked, observing that they had worn such clothes because they had just attended other events.
In the meeting with Feisal the first-echelon officials pledged to abide by the instructions and start the efficiency drive with themselves.
"They promised to stick to the regulation," Feisal said, as quoted by Antara.
He said, as an example, that first-echelon officials should travel economy class on airplanes for official visits and no longer use business or executive class, as was common previously.
"Economy class is quite sufficient," he said, quoting the officials' pledge.
When asked about the efficacy of the drive, which has been questioned by many observers, Feisal explained it by referring to the efficiency measures at his office as an example.
On telephone bills alone, his office had saved about Rp 21 million (US$2,000) over the last three months, he said, without saying whether the efficiency regulations had been applied in his office three months earlier.
He explained that his office had managed to save up to Rp 13.5 million per month on the use of paper.
"How much could be saved if all government offices and institutions, both in the capital and the regions, cut their expenditure on telephone use, electricity, paper and other things?" he asked.