Hope for national leaders

Hope for national leaders

From Bisnis Indonesia

Many circles of society have staged demonstrations against
increases in fuel prices, electricity tariffs and telephone
rates, apparently with the same goal of rejecting the hikes.

As a matter of fact, however, each sector of society has an
ulterior motive, such as tax facilities for entrepreneurs,
political bargaining power for legislators, and so forth. Only
students, workers and other lower income groups are consistent in
the purpose of their struggle.

The public has also questioned the role of professionals, who
used to criticize government policies through the mass media, but
are now perhaps thoroughly enjoying their positions on high.

Only a few suggestions have come from public officials, such
as the speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly, who called
for a postponement or a cancellation of the price rises.

The problem is much bigger than just politicians campaigning
to secure votes for the forthcoming general elections. It is
necessary for future national leaders to learn more in order to
avoid making decisions at will.

EDDY S.
Jakarta