Public employees

I refer to your Sept. 4 editorial.

During my long stay in Indonesia I have frequently encountered the attitude of Indonesian "public employees" and sincerely hope that the President's comments will be heeded.

With due respect to President Soeharto, perhaps a step in the right direction would be to forget the use of "state officials" and use the term "public employees" which more correctly covers the desired status; I think "public servant" is counterproductive in this day and age.

Coming as I do from a monarchy I would add that its civil service more closely approximates the role hoped for by the President and I believe that situation is helped by a less subservient general public than the average Indonesian. And also of course by a public little used to corruption and more assertive.

The situation in Indonesia is not helped by the seldom publication of precise legal charges for various services, e.g. renewing an identity card or driving license. It was not until reading in The Jakarta Post recently that I was aware of the correct charge for the renewal of a driving license -- my Indonesian wife paid Rp 110,000 for this service. No receipt of course!

The letter from Merdeka also in the Post of Sept. 4, 1996 is surely another case of a "public employee" self-help.

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