Naked truth can be ugly sight

Naked truth can be ugly sight

From Media Indonesia

The intensity of the student demonstrations occurring up to now should be taken as a sign of the people's prevailing concerns about the nation's situation.

If we recall what it was like prior to the general election, during implementation of the election and the time when the legislators were nominated, many concerned people voiced their criticism, gave their suggestions and opinions, but all their aspirations went unheeded. Rather, their criticism was misinterpreted. Those brave enough to speak up were labeled enemies. Those who acted bravely in support of the people were perfunctorily made scapegoats and branded troublemakers trying to disturb the people's unity and integrity.

The people's demand for transparency is always interpreted as a desire to meddle in the affairs of the ruling regime. In fact, transparency is nothing but an attempt to reflect honesty on the part of the government in viewing shortcomings that the people see as the naked truth, like corruption, collusion and nepotism. These abuses of power, unfortunately, have never been acknowledged to have taken place in the bureaucracy.

Political reforms are often done before resorting to reforms in other fields. However, political reforms will only take place if there is a political will to do so. They should include a review of the election law. Political parties should have a role in the bureaucracy instead of only joining in the legislative body.

M SUNARTO

Jakarta