Presidential prerogative?

Presidential prerogative?

From Republika

Recent events are a cause for heightened concern. Crime,
depreciation of the rupiah and the foolish requirement of uniform
shoes for high school students are just a few. I do not know if
the latter action was an instruction or merely a recommendation
by a government agency.

It is clear our contemporary society remains submissive toward
guidance from superiors, regardless whether it is an order or a
suggestion.

This allows some people to take advantage of the situation for
their own benefit. We, the ordinary people, can only complain,
groan and feel sad, waiting for a miracle. But our complaints
would no doubt have been for naught but for the President's order
to halt the requirement on shoes.

I wonder if it is always necessary for the President to make a
statement in cases where other people could do it, too. This
country would collapse in the free trade era if the situation
remained the same. This would mean excessive burdens for the
President.

Does it always take a directive from the President to get
something done? If that is the case, the President will be really
overburdened.

FARID AL MAKHTUM

Surabaya