Fostering simpletons

The last sentence of the May 8, 1996 editorial of The Jakarta Post reflects the silly state of our press: "...proper control and supervision of state employees."

Let me explain briefly, having been around since 1968 after studying in Germany and being involved in industry.

We have been learning the hard way that every activity which needs more than one (ourselves) man, must cope with the needs of those employed to do the job (one need is income). Neglecting to do so is directly felt through the performance of those employees; low skill and productivity, low efficiency, low integrity. Just try to get a skilled, professional and honest driver in Jakarta for Rp 250,000 a month.

In private enterprises neglecting the workers is punished within a relatively short time span with the death of the undertaking, after a period of suffering and muddling-through. Very few state enterprises, however, are dealt death-blows since most of the time further subsidy -- converting state-banks loans into government equity -- prolongs their life.

In government services (including the prisons) neglecting the workers leads to bribe taking, collusion and manipulation. Entrepreneurs are driven by greed to pay the bribes, and on the receiving side it is primarily survival and then greed.

The severe underpayment of the civil servants should instead be highlighted by the editors. Most readers are already cynical and apathetic because the collusion around us is a reality. It is part of daily survival for the receiving end. ID-card, passport, driver's license, importing and exporting goods, obtaining building licenses all require bribes. But the bribe takers are not to be blamed. Their incomes are only sufficient for 14 days a month. Obviously only the echelon I live in can live free from such pressures.

I therefore urge the editors to refrain from such empty robotic phrasings which create simpletons and dwarfs. The editors' pat phrases will not contribute to our continuous sharpening and awareness, especially of our youth, by addressing the core of the problem.

I hope my micro-contribution will make the next generation aware of this weakness.

Y. SANTO

Jakarta