Governor solicits public criticism

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso opened the door yesterday for all Jakartans to provide criticism and input to assist city officials in stamping out malfeasance.

"I open wide the opportunity for the people. Don't be afraid to inform us whenever there are malfeasance practices by our officials."

Information and criticism could be sent by mail to the administration, he said.

Sutiyoso added that he would welcome those who wished to express their concerns directly to him.

"The public must dare to identify the officials who are allegedly involved in the malfeasance. They must also dare to reject (corrupt officials)."

He cited drivers who were forced to pay illegal levies to unscrupulous officials on the street. He said they should be able to get the latter's names and identify the perpetrators at the administration office when they submitted their complaints.

Sutiyoso said people should not only be able to criticize but also provide detailed information so "hopefully we can catch (unethical officials) in the act".

He said administration officials at all levels had been instructed to stop all malfeasance practices, including corruption, collusion, collection of illegal levies and other unsavory actions which burdened the public.

On Friday, Sutiyoso announced the establishment of the Reform Control and Supervision Commission, with the aim of helping to eradicate the corruption, collusion, cronyism and nepotism practiced by officials at all levels.

The commission consists of deputy governor for administration affairs Abdul Kahfi as its chief and four high-ranking officials as assistants.

It focuses on four major issues of the city's public service, budget, expenditure and law and organization.

Sutiyoso admitted yesterday the commission was bound to face obstacles in achieving its goals.

"I admit that the commission's ability to supervise the reform within the administration is very restricted. That's why we really need the people's support here," he said. (cst)