Positive action

Positive action

From Sinar

I notice many positive things in the measures taken by Jakarta Military Commander Major Gen. Hendropriyono, in his efforts to enthusiastically overcome all forms of injustice, which is of great concern to the society. The people would be much relieved if the Commander were to combat corrupt activities practiced by certain officials.

Just imagine how certain individuals from the Department of Manpower extorted workers returning from abroad after their working contracts had expired. It is really more heartless than other forms of extortion. The motto: To serve, not to be served seems to be sheer lip service.

The former minister of Administrative Reforms, Sarwono Kusumaatmadja (now Minister of Environment) related his experience when arranging the land title for his property. It took him 10 years to get the business done. Being on a ministerial level is no guarantee that a transaction can be completed in a short time. What if an ordinary person wants to get a land title processed?

Early in 1990, I accompanied an official to Singapore for medical treatment. In the immigration office I was greeted by an immigration official: "Are you flying Garuda?" I said: "Yes." He said: "If you fly Singapore Airlines you don't have to take the patient in a wheelchair because all facilities are provided." It sounded like a promotion campaign. It should be noted that the immigration service was quick and satisfactory. After my colleague's hospitalization of two weeks he wanted to give some tips to the nurses as a token of gratitude. But the nurses politely refused the offer.

Back to the problems of malpractice, I hope the Jakarta Military Commander will make a tireless effort to curb and abolish corrupt practices in the bureaucracy.

ABDYWUNARTA JERAM

Meulaboh, Aceh