New ministers commend role of public criticism

JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie assured government critics on Wednesday that the new Cabinet would be receptive to their concerns and that it would try its best to accommodate the public's aspirations.

Speaking to journalists after attending a three-hour Cabinet meeting at the Bina Graha presidential office, the minister pointed out that President Abdurrahman Wahid himself welcomed any criticism of the government. Kwik said the President would hold regular meetings with the public to enable the government to obtain fresh input from the community.

"For the critics, we will try to explain why we must take certain decisions, what our argumentation is, and if we are wrong we will accept it and make improvements," said Kwik at a joint media briefing with State Secretary Ali Rahman and Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Hamzah Haz.

Kwik said he could understand that some people were impatient for concrete steps to be taken by the Cabinet. He said the new government's policy formulation would be kept transparent and would actively involve the public.

State Secretary Ali Rahman said the government would always need critics and would not hesitate to openly acknowledge mistakes if they were made.

Abdurrahman's pledge to keep in touch with a wide segment of society has led to a constant stream of visitors to the State Guest House.

He received on Monday 16 non-governmental organizations at the State Guest House. During the meeting, he requested the organizations routinely provide him with input.

Together with Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Abdurrahman has announced plans to have biweekly meetings with ordinary people outside the palace. (prb)