How to manage Indonesia

How to manage Indonesia

If Indonesians know their rights and obligations, are tolerant
and law-abiding, then I think running this country would not be a
difficult job.

Let us examine why it would not be difficult. First, we have a
solid constitutional foundation which is the 1945 Constitution,
and a strong philosophical guidance, Pancasila. So we know
exactly how to lead a constitutional life, supported by the
historically well-tested Pancasila philosophy.

Second, people's aspirations. What has to be accomplished? The
whole population through their representatives in the House of
Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly, decide
what should be done. The people's will and guidance are molded
into what we call the Broad Outlines of the State Policy (GBHN).
This is not only a product of the "green" people, or of the
"yellow", or the "red", nor the "whites". The GBHN is a national
product, which is to be carried out for the benefit of society.
From the speeches in the recently ended campaign we know more or
less what people want.

In short, the people, whether they are common citizens,
laborers, or government officials, want a general improvement of
their lives. This is a fundamental and basic target.

They want a clean government and the abolishment of
corruption, collusion, grafts, bribery, illegal levies etc. They
want an improved and efficient bureaucracy with fewer regulations
to prevent or minimize the misuse of authority. Only a clean
government can guarantee that everything is done according to the
existing regulations, that everybody is treated equally before
the law. This will ensure there is no nepotism.

Third, the tool to achieve the target. We have a clear basis
and clear aspirations. But these are not enough. We must have
someone capable, experienced and trustworthy to implement all of
the above. This is where the election of the president and vice
president come in. They are the only officials who are elected to
do what the people want them to do. The people want their
aspirations translated into actions to benefit the whole nation.
In doing so, they are under strict supervision of the House and
assembly to ensure they do not deviate from the Broad Outlines of
the State Policy.

In carrying out his task, the President will choose assistants
who can understand and cooperate with him. In this context, it is
not important which group his assistants come from as long as
they assist the President and the responsibility is entirely on
the President's shoulders. This is one reason why we have no
opposition in the country. We all have to work together and
cooperate to make Indonesia strong and prosperous.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta