New faces at DPA
New faces at DPA
From Kompas
Observing how circumstances are evolving in our beloved country, we may say that it seems it is still quite long before its "illness" is cured. All efforts and attempts already made still cannot bring the situation back to normal, like it was before the onset of this economic/monetary crisis.
Nevertheless, the new members of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) for the 1998-2003 term, sworn in on June 13, 1998, may contribute ideas to help solve the crisis. Isn't it the duty of the Supreme Advisory Council to provide the President with advice, either solicited or not?
It is only appropriate, then, if the Reform and Development Cabinet, which is committed to eliminating practices of corruption, collusion and nepotism, makes efficient use of the Supreme Advisory Council, minimizing, therefore, the need to set up noninstitutional ad-hoc teams/working groups.
According to competent sources, speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly and the House of Representatives has been consulted about the Supreme Advisory Council's 45 members, whose appointment is based on a presidential decree, However, to a layman like me, in the present era of reform, it is necessary to be transparent about someone's election to a state's high institution like the Supreme Advisory Council. In this respect, classification and criteria must be laid down for someone to be eligible for membership to the Supreme Advisory Council.
In the present era of reform, members of the Supreme Advisory Council should be made up of carefully selected people and not just individuals with their own personal ambitions or those seeking only prestige and social status.
Obviously, in the era of the Reform and Development Cabinet, membership of the Supreme Advisory Council should not be extended to people with questionable national integrity and moral/ethical commitments. If you are not ready to assume your position, be ready to withdraw. This attitude will ensure that in the present era of reform we will experience national awakening, social progress and community welfare.
H. BUDHIMAN N. BHAKTI
Bandung, West Java