Govt to streamline bureaucracy: Silalahi

Govt to streamline bureaucracy: Silalahi

JAKARTA (JP): The government has said it will take tough
measures to streamline its bureaucracy, but stopped short of
having to enforce laying off some of the four-million civil
servants.

Allaying concerns of possible layoffs, State Minister of
Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi said no layoffs or early
retirement schemes for senior government officials would be
included in the revamp policy.

He further said that streamlining would not affect public
services.

"We will streamline the organization. For instance the number
of director generals or inspector generals in a ministry,"
Silalahi said after meeting with President Soeharto at his
residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta.

The new measure is aimed at reducing government spending on
personnel, including allowances.

"We can save more if we have less structural occupations
because a bureaucrat on the first echelon will receive Rp 600,000
a month alone as an allowance," Silalahi said without further
elaboration.

In the 1998/1999 budget draft, the government has allocated Rp
21.9 trillion for civil servant salaries, with no increase
expected in civil servant wages.

"There will be no layoffs of civil servants because we are
actually still facing personnel shortages. We just need better
distribution," he said.

When asked whether the new policy would cause disgruntlement
or frustration among civil servants, Silalahi retorted: "As a
state apparatus. As pioneers (of development) they are expected
not to be frustrated!"

The minister praised Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas
and Commander of the Armed Forces Gen. Feisal Tanjung for
recently reducing the number of diplomats and military attaches
abroad.

"We play a big role in international diplomacy but for the
time being, at least for one or two years, we will reduce our
role," said Silalahi.

He said a "shorter" and more efficient bureaucracy could help
entice foreign investment.

Silalahi said the actual streamlining would not occur until a
cabinet and president was installed since the current political
term had just over a month to go.

"The next cabinet and president will be advised to take the
streamlining measures. But preparation toward that process should
be made clear now," he said.

When asked if the next cabinet would therefore be smaller than
the current one, Silalahi replied: "That is not to be discussed
now. The elected president will determine that."

The People's Consultative Assembly will elect the president in
March. (prb)