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