Modest lifestyle called for

President Megawati Soekarnoputri has urged members of the Cabinet to start a new more modest lifestyle amid the economic hardship experienced by the majority of the people. The number of people unemployed has now reached 45 million, according to official statistics, and 60 percent of the total population of 220 million, are living below the poverty line. The new year of 2002 has brought with it price hikes of various commodities as a reaction to the planned increases in official rates of fuel, electricity, telephone and toll roads, by the government.

As the first step toward implementing a modest lifestyle among government circles, Cabinet ministers are no longer to dress in suit and ties but instead are wearing long-sleeved batik shirts. Indeed, modesty comes from a simple heart and simple mind not from simple dress.

The ego of materialism has in recent times overpowered the spirit of modesty. Unless you are seen as rich in society your life is not worth living.

Those found guilty by the legal courts of having abused state funds in the past have not been accorded the required punishment. Conglomerates continue to approach high level government officials to gain their favor; for a price, of course.

Against this background, the solution is for the leaders of the country to provide an example of modest living. While dressing modestly is a good first step in the right direction; it is, however, not enough to convince the doubters in society.

The recent visit by members of the first family to Bali to spend a couple of days holidaying on the occasion of the new year, has been seen by some critics as not in accordance with the spirit of modest living. This is especially so, since the husband of Megawati also celebrated his birthday on the occasion although she also inspected some development projects during the trip.

Given the short period of less than four months in power, with the legacy of external and internal debts left behind by the previous administrations, it appears that this criticism is inappropriately harsh and unfair.

The impression is that demonstrating a modest lifestyle now is too late to yield effective results, when other members of society outside the government are living in luxury. At any rate it is much better to start showing less contrast in wealth between the richest and the poorest classes of society.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta