Low appreciation of secretaries

The article titled "Secretaries: Be-all, end-all of firms" on March 30 reminds me of a book titled Sekretaris sebagai manager (Secretaries as managers) by Dr. A.B. Susanto. Both publications appreciate the roles of a secretary in a company.

Unfortunately, there are still lots of companies in Indonesia which give their secretaries a low salary, even they work very hard, are involved in managerial activities and, many times, are required to stay late at the office.

I can see that appreciation of secretaries in Indonesia is low. A secretary may function as a manager but surely she/he is not paid as one. It is hoped that a secretary will be more appreciated in terms of facilities and salary. A good salary is one form of appreciation, isn't it?

ADRIANUS HIYUNG TJUNG

Jakarta