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