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