Legislators or gods?

Legislators or gods?

From Kompas

An editorial in Kompas (Sept. 3), questioning the propriety of legislators' behavior, truly resounds the voices of the helpless Indonesian people vis-a-vis the House of Representatives (DPR).

House members today are practically gods, and will mete out judgment on any one or any act that causes their displeasure. But instead of acting as gods of virtue, they are vengeful gods, summoning those considered to have caused offense to negotiate a deal in their favor.

A former executive of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency revealed that he lost considerable time for having to attend hearings with various House commissions. He was eventually asked to resign, only to be visited by a courier at some later date, asking for a favor. So the wrath of the gods will be felt unless offerings are made.

Legislators, however, should be doing something to improve the lives of the people, who are still facing numerous difficulties including forced evictions and unemployment. Dedicated House members, such as ex-legislators Sophan Sophiaan and Meilono, are too few in number to make the "gods" aware of their improper conduct.

Let us hope that the people's representatives selected in the coming elections will truly work for truth, justice and public welfare.

JACOB Jakarta