Fostering simpletons

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