Laksamana: Coach lowers dignity

Laksamana: Coach lowers dignity

From Gatra

I was disappointed to read a statement by State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi, as reported in Gatra on July 13, 2002 (Special Report).

Laksamana has lowered his own dignity and that of the state- owned enterprises. He equated a state-owned enterprise with a soccer team. In soccer, however, the coach may change the players without calculating any socio-political costs of his action. However, managing state-owned enterprises entails social, political and moral responsibility.

Take, for example, Laksamana' statement: "It is now time to overhaul state-owned enterprises for the sake of our children later." If this is truly his desire, then why doesn't he pay attention to the quality of vaccines made by PT Bio Farma, as reported by GATRA of May 18, 2002 on pages 38 and 39. Aren't these problems (bad medicine) the direct result of the new board of directors appointed by him? The new board has been negligent in monitoring the company's products with the result that the vaccines produced are a threat to millions of babies and children.

What responsibility would Laksamana show as the "soccer coach" if his players endangered their opponents and the spectators, if they did not have the appropriate skill and experience?

If Laksamana is an economist, he should have calculated the economic losses and the socio-political costs of overhauling the top management of state-owned enterprises to his liking. In Indonesia, people cannot be expected to give 100 percent if they feel threatened, namely that they may lose their present position before their tenure ends. Insecurity makes people resort to many things, including corruption in the shortest time possible, and they will siphon off as much money as possible.

Laksamana should be honest about his knowledge and expertise. It would be a pity if Megawati only received reports stating that officials of echelons I and 2 cannot perform their tasks. In fact, it is her close assistants (ministers) that are not capable of doing their jobs.

N.R. NADIA

Pasar Minggu

South Jakarta