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