Public officials'

Public officials' arrogance

From Media Indonesia

Some 88 members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and 67 from the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) are apparently in breach of Law No.28/1999 on clean governance. They are required to report and announce their wealth before and after occupying their posts. But in reality they have failed to obey the law.

The following factors may be reasons for this situation: * Public officials do not understand the requirement and are unable to compile reports on personal assets. * DPR members, who have the authority to control the implementation of government projects, have obtained part of their wealth by illicit means, thus making it "difficult" for them to make such reports. * DPR and MPR members may be too arrogant to heed the three warnings already issued by the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN).

The three possibilities lead to suspicion and a lack of confidence in their propriety and eligibility as public officials. If they are incapable of making their own wealth reports, how can they perform their duty in serving the public?

HUSEIN LATIF

Bandung