Government told to be honest
Government told to be honest
JAKARTA (JP): More than ever before the government needs to be
"honest and transparent" in order to avoid possible social unrest
following the country's deepening economic woes, a cabinet
minister said here yesterday.
State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja when asked
by journalists on the possibility of social unrest replied that
such incidents could be avoided if the government shows it is
honest, transparent and efficiently implementing sound policy.
"It (the government) needs to satisfy expectations... and
show that those who are now suffering (from the economic
situation) are not just the common people, but also the
elites... whose companies have been inefficient and reckless,"
the outspoken minister said.
"Tough actions must and will be taken against them
(problematic elites)... and the government will now be serious.
"How more serious can you get when it has just closed troubled
banks... just look at who owns these banks," he told reporters
yesterday after receiving his Dutch counterpart Ms. M. de Boer at
his office.
Sarwono was referring to the liquidation of 16 banks, some of
which belong to politically well-connected figures in the
country.
Sarwono said the present situation could serve as a starting
point to rid the country from the practices of "reckless
businesses" applying the practices of "connection and collusion".
He also called on community leaders to have the maturity
not to exploit sensitive SARA (ethnic, religious, racial, and
societal groupings) issues during the current situation.
The Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy
(PERC) warned in a report released over the weekend that social
unrest was likely to escalate in the months ahead.
According to PERC, the currency pressure, declining economic
prosperity, drought and haze caused by forest fires, have all
combined to create frustration.
Sarwono said: "We must unite and work in a concerted effort,
suffer together... before we can sail out of the present gloomy
situation. It may take three years."
"It's important for the government, non-governmental
organizations and all levels of society to do the right thing,"
he remarked.
Speaking of the raging forest fires which have ignited large
parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, Sarwono said heavy punishment
was in store for those found guilty of burning forests.
"President Soeharto has even let his presidential airplane to
be used by police, prosecutors and military intelligence officers
to inspect the situation in Riau some time ago. This means
business," he said.
The police announced last week at least 30 companies --
including four foreign investment firms -- along with 24 people
were suspects for burning forests.
Sarwono also refuted concerns that the government might slow
down its steps to prosecute the forest burners when the fires
dissipate or the monsoon comes. (aan)