Officials should be frugal

Officials should be frugal

From Rakyat Merdeka

Our country is still gripped by an economic crisis and trapped in huge foreign debts. Based on the report of the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN), our senior officials have abundant wealth. However, it has not spurred the commission into action.

We need to recall Bung Karno's struggle during the Dutch colonial period. He was jailed several times by the Dutch colonialists. But, Bung Karno felt neither daunted nor hopeless. He kept on fighting for the freedom of his country, which was finally declared on Aug. 17, 1945.

At that time the president, vice president, ministers, legislators, governors and regents were willing to have their salaries and other allowances cut by between 30 percent and 50 percent.

Imagine if we compare the income of the common people who are now living in misery to that of senior officials or legislators who enjoy an easy life.

These officials should also be willing to have their salaries cut and allowances for housing, vehicles and other facilities abolished.

The minister for trade and industry should stop imports of foreign products and luxury cars to reduce government expenditure. This resultant fund could be used for the payment of the country's debts.

IRWANTO

Tangerang, Banten