Perks and pitfalls of being a govt official

JAKARTA (JP): I used to enjoy a small share of government privilege on Jakarta roads. I could drive smoothly, fast and with a certain degree of pride. Secret was I lived close to an important official. And, as the standard operating procedure has it, this official commuted to his office with full security protection.

The road was cleared for him to pass and every intersection was guarded by policemen holding walkie-talkies, all in an alert position as though World War III was about to commence.

To get this special service, all I needed to do was stand by a few meters from his residence, waiting for his limousine to roll out from the fenced yard of the huge mansion. As soon as the sirens whirred, and the cars taking the official and his entourage slid out, I followed. Hence, my routine joyride along the usually congested route. Unfortunately, that convenience ended when the official was transferred to another area. I now have to compete for every inch of the road to get to my destination.

"You've taken part in this country's waste of energy," Syarief, my old friend, will comment every time I brag about my past routine.

He has good reason to accuse. His job as an engineer in a waste management company deals with waste, albeit in a different sense. And at that particular time, I was at his job site for the purpose of processing waste produced by our company. As far as he is concerned, officials traveling with such protection are the source of inefficiency.

"Imagine! A whole bunch of policemen, with cars and motorcycles, are assigned to secure an official who does not need any protection at all -- he has his own weapon.

"And they say this country lacks police officers, and that they need to hire common people as Kamra (civilian militia)."

"That's right," interjected Saiful, his colleague, who is always concerned about national security. "If only the officials did not require such a grand procession when traveling, more policemen could be assigned to secure the critical parts of the city, such as intersections, traditional markets or bus terminals."

"I would also suggest that Mr. Habibie live at the Presidential Palace, which he deserves, so that he does not need to commute and cause traffic jams around the Kuningan area," said Eddy, who lives near the Casablanca area.

Every morning, as the President departs his residence, traffic in the direction of Jl. Rasuna Said is blocked to facilitate the smooth ride for RI 1 (the Presidential car).

"And the military officers, who are supposedly alerted to secure the presidential trip, could be assigned somewhere else," Eddy offered.

"That is the trouble with being an important official," said Masruchi, who is not happy with the way security protection is implemented. "You create troubles wherever you go."

"That happens everywhere," said Eddy. "I was once halted for two hours at Los Angeles Airport as all flights were delayed because Air Force 1 was waiting for Clinton who was having a haircut."

"Of course, government officials are supposed to be different from common people. They travel in luxurious cars with tinted windows, oblivious to what common people have to endure. That's why some of them talk and make policies that do not have any benefit to us, the taxpayers who pay them."

"On the other hand, being a government official, you are not only the star on important occasions, but also the shooting target. Once you make a maneuver, everybody springs to attention. You don't even have privacy to talk on the phone."

"That's right. And once you open your mouth, the press are there to comment, especially if you are as important as the attorney general."

"And as controversial as well."

"Aw, c'mon! Not him again!"

"Well, who could be more interesting to talk about?"

The statement of the attorney general about closing the telephone tapping case and the probe on the previous president in front of House Commission I recently has made him the most sought-after government official. Newspapers scream fiery headlines about him, so fiery, in fact, that Ghalib once tried to find the offending journalist who wrote stories about him being "butchered" in the House.

Listening to "air talk" from a radio station while driving to the office last Thursday, I felt sorry for Ghalib. It appeared as if people were zeroing in on his resignation. Almost all callers condemned Ghalib and appealed for him to lengser (step down). Some called him names. Apparently, Ghalib challenging people to prove that Pak Harto has money stashed in foreign banks enraged them.

"If we, the people, have to prove an allegation, then why should we pay the government officials to be there?" one of the callers said. "They are supposed to investigate and to look for evidence."

"I don't know why Ghalib should pasang badan (risk his own safety) in defending the previous president," said another, identifying himself as Ghaib. "He has been beating about the bush, causing the people to lose their patience."

"I would suggest that Ghalib immigrate to a country where people are easier to fool," said another. "Or a country where the population are all children under five years. He would be better off as the attorney general there."

Being a government official, apart from all the benefits and red-carpet treatment, also has its drags. Blurt out a saliva- bubbling statement, and it is difficult to take back.

"But you can get away with it by accusing the press of misquotes, exaggeration or blowing up an ordinary case into a big controversy," said Hendro. "After all, you are the official with power in your hands. You can do anything you damn well please. It's as simple as that."

"Yeah, when you are in power, nobody can stop you from talking."

"Except somebody with an Armed Forces commander's qualification," continued Sammy, reminding us of the news about Gen. Wiranto shutting up Ghalib in front of journalists before a Cabinet meeting.

"Well, that is yet another example of the trouble with being a famous person. The press know and write about you, even when you are scolded by your own colleague," I said, thanking God I was not in their ranks.

-- Carl Chairul