Finding convenient whipping boys

It is unfair for government official or leaders, if they have to be accountable for mistakes, to quickly find an easy scapegoat who can be labeled provocateur, communist, saboteur or neocolonialist.

A series of train accidents occurred recently within a short time span. The man in authority hastily called it an act of sabotage. In fact, if the cases are closely examined it would be crystal clear what really happened. Why was it that the railway company was not able to immediately replace the vital spare parts which were stolen or decrepit?

It seems that the real reason is the prevalence of a corrupt, collusive and nepotistic mentality. We often hear about the losses suffered by the company, despite the fact that all the trains are always crowded. The company management always blames nonpaying passengers for the losses. Is it true? I think it's naive to make such an allegation. As a rule, passengers pay the train fares. The problem is whether the money actually makes it into the railway company's coffers or instead ends up in the wrong pocket. This should be the subject of investigation.

H. IFRODY SUKANTO

Jakarta