Mentality of public officials

Mentality of public officials

The country is facing many economic uncertainties, but most of
our public officials, particularly those in echelons I and II,
appear unconcerned by the difficulties.

This was indicated in a warning issued by President Megawati
Soekarnoputri, who threatened to deal sternly with officials who
hampered the implementation of the policies of their superiors
(ministers).

The President's reminder indeed points to a phenomenon that
has become public knowledge. For instance, the policy of the
minister of justice and human rights concerning Indonesian
citizenship certificates (SBKRIs) for nonindigenous citizens is
being improperly implemented, with people required to attach
their SBKRIs when applying for identity cards or passports. In
fact, a previous presidential instruction clearly states that
SBKRIs are no longer needed when handling documents for citizens.

In reality, the SBKRI requirement has become a source of
income for echelon I and echelon II officials in some
directorates and agencies. We cannot stand this type of behavior,
with officials acting like "petty lords" who abuse their power to
enrich themselves.

Unless there is a national vision declared by the President,
coordinating ministers, ministers and lower-ranking public
officials will be working individually to implement policies and
achieve organizational goals. This is even more true if the
policies produce economic benefits that flow from the bottom up.

--Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta