Love affairs, lies and stereotypes

JAKARTA (JP): The truck stopped abruptly in front of a motel- like building on the main road to Surabaya, and the driver jumped out, instructing his conductor to park the truck and get it ready for the continuation of the trip. He was impatient to meet his waiting lover, a country girl.

Love affairs between long-distance truck and bus drivers with girls along the road are typical.

But such love affairs occur not only among the common people. People of high status, especially those in power, do that too, although often in a more discreet manner. (Remember Clinton and Lewinsky?)

I was once furious when my hotel reservation in Bali was suddenly altered. The reason for the change was that a Mr. Polan had suddenly shown up at the Island of the Goddess and occupied the room I reserved.

"You mean the Mr. Polan?" I asked in surprise. "And what, in the name of anything holy, makes him desire this low-class room?" As far as I know, he can afford the bullet-proof presidential suite once occupied by Reagan at Nusa Dua.

"Ssst, he is our super VIP guest, staying with Miss Semprul. It is his favorite room, because it is situated away from the crowd. He always stays there every time he travels incognito."

Ah, Mr. Polan and Miss Semprul! Two Indonesian celebrities who appear frequently on TV. The man was a high-ranking government official and the woman was a movie star and then became a successful businesswoman after becoming Mr. Polan's mistress. "Official" rumor has it that the lady dumped her husband in return for the gift of a high-rise apartment building from Mr. Polan.

Starting a love affair with another woman to spur the working spirit is the stereotype for those with an unlimited source of money, either in government or in business. A recent case of this kind, involving a minister and a lady celebrity, has just rocked Habibie's administration, although at low intensity. The tabloid that unveiled it disappeared as soon as it hit the stands.

How could a government official have an unlimited source of money? Well, theoretically, their salaries may not be adequate even for their domestic spending. But look at all the opportunities to rake in money!

In Indonesia, an assignment to a government post is usually seen as some kind of Bonanza. A government official with a salary of less than Rp 1 million per month would feel unlucky if, at the end of his service, he came up with "only" a few billion in his savings and a few companies run by his relatives. The luckier ones could do better with investment schemes in neighboring countries and a dozen luxurious houses scattered from Beverly Hills to the South of France, plus hefty accounts in foreign banks, just in case.

This luck depends on the department an official is assigned to. A "wet" department (this term refers to departments that control large government companies or those that issue various permits) could be a minister's ticket to unlimited access to where the money is. A signature of approval, or a few words of katabeletje (note of recommendation) at this level could make billions, as well as attract an array of beautiful women.

For a housewife, assignment of her husband to a key position could be just like winning in an arisan (a traditional gathering of people in which participants contribute a sum of money and take turns winning it in a lucky draw). It comes with the opportunity for tax-payer-paid tours around the world with unlimited money to spend, and abundant gifts from those who owe her husband favors.

In the New Order government, a minister's wife could just hop on a plane for a shopping spree in Paris and London, spend US$100,000, and charge it to the BUMN (state company) under her husband's control. All of these extra expenses would eventually be borne by the people. No wonder economic observers claim that the standard leakage in government expenditure was 30 percent.

Has that stereotype changed with the winds of change that are blowing right across the face of this nation? Have the people in organizations changed their attitudes and begun practicing good governance?

Going by the chain of corruption cases publicized by newspapers recently, the answer is no! As Santo Koesoebjono put it (The Jakarta Post, July 22, 1999) RI's money is still going down the drain. The so called "reform government" spends it like it is water.

"Those in the government have just won the arisan," commented Teddy, my friend who claims himself to be a private social observer, analogizing the changes in government with that social activity. "Some of them are still excited about spending money. Soon they will have to step down."

Some of the people in the current government will have to say goodbye after their shortened terms of service. Besides, the result of the ballot count from the general election has signaled them to start packing as it is unlikely they will be able to hold onto their positions. So, while they are there, they may make the most of their remaining time in power. This happens, you know. One with nine months' service in his job, for instance, could come up with Rp 12 billion in savings! Imagine how much money goes down the drain altogether if, say, half the government officials in all ranks practice the "grab something before you go" attitude.

Now, the question is, should we let the CGI (Consultative Group on Indonesia) dump their money now for it to be lost in the jungle of racketeering and high-level love affairs? We have to wait for the new government to spend it, of course, with the close observance of Indonesian corruption watchdogs.

-- Carl Chairul