Ministers show disdain to NGOs

Ministers show disdain to NGOs

Different ministers, different temperaments and different ways
of handling the public, as two of Indonesia's coordinating
ministers showed.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-
Jakti kept his cool when a member of the Indonesian Indigenous
People group warned him not to take anymore loans from foreign
creditors in an open dialog with non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) on Wednesday.

The minister was seen nodding amicably as the person continued
his frustrated rant directed at the government. The NGO
spokesperson claimed that Indonesia had treated indigenous people
unfairly.

"Don't just nod, write this down!" he angrily ordered the
minister, who calmly claimed that everything was being stored
inside his head.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare Jusuf
Kalla blew his top when NGO members raised their voices in
protest of what he was saying in a different dialog.

"You talk about being democratic, you are the ones that are
being undemocratic," he said angrily. -- JP