Government told to improve performance

BANDUNG (JP): A political observer has warned that the government must improve its performance and be more responsive to criticism.

Indria Samego of the National Institute of Science (LIPI) said after speaking at a one-day seminar on Democratized Communication at the Bandung-based Padjadjaran University on Monday that by not responding to criticism the government had triggered dissatisfaction among people at the grass roots level.

"The dissatisfaction could lead to efforts to bring down the government," Samego said.

He also said that President Abdurrahman Wahid had been inconsistent.

"The unclear steps in the implementation of economic and political programs could be cited as more examples of the shortcomings of Abdurrahman's administration."

According to Samego, Gus Dur (as the President is affectionately called) could not free himself from New Order influence.

"The recruitment of old faces in government institutions could be cited as well. This has worsened the situation. In his six- month administration Gus Dur has already faced charges of corruption, collusion and nepotism."

Samego said during the first three years of his administration, Soeharto had yet to recruit his cronies.

"The people could withdraw Gus Dur's legitimation if he does not perform well," he said, warning that the students could topple the government unconstitutionally if the government failed to improve.

"That is very possible, if in the next two months the people feel something wrong in the management of the government. Next month when parents are busy finding schools for their children, when fuel prices, electricity and telephone tariffs go up, people will then be aware that they are the ones shouldering the burden, while elitist politicians are playing around with jargon and policy," Samego said.

He said than no one expected unconstitutional changes in the government, yet people had hoped Gus Dur could cover his five- year term of office smoothly. He added that Gus Dur must be aware that the people will ask for his accountability. (25/sur)