Improving public services

Improving public services

The Minister for State Administrative Reform, TB Silalahi, has
disclosed that tokens of appreciation will be presented to
departments in the administration which are regarded as having
given the best service to the public.

Speaking on the same occasion, President Soeharto said this
was part of an overall government modernization program. In the
past, too much emphasis was placed on adherence to procedures and
rules. As a result less attention was paid on the quality of the
service extended to the public.

The President's remarks are a clear hint that greater dispatch
and creativity are expected from our government personnel,
particularly those in the higher echelons, in serving the public.
If necessary, all regulations that interfere with the provision
of better service to the public must be revoked.

Considering that the problem concerns aspects of governance
that lead to the evolvement of an encumbering bureaucracy, an
integrated approach towards finding a solution is indicated. The
examples that are given must be supported by a more effective
control by the public so that violators may feel the burden of
shame.

Effective bureaucratic service is something which people have
long yearned for. This, however, will need time to realize
because of the many parties that benefit from having long-winded
rules and procedures that endure like incontestable dogmas. Even
so, breakthroughs must be sought right now to prevent these
conditions from weakening our competitive standing.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta