Public service ads

Public service ads

From Kompas

Public service ads appealing for people to show understanding
and patience in connection with the recent major increases in
fuel prices are no longer appearing in the media. The messages,
presented by a petroleum expert, economist, university rector and
Islamic preacher, only continued for a few weeks.

Following the fuel price hikes, such appeals are required to
induce patience, concern and solidarity in society. But their
targets should cover more than just ordinary people, who have
long been showing patience, concern and solidarity toward their
fellow citizens.

The same message should now be directed to our public
representatives and leaders so that amid the difficulties the
nation is facing today, they will be more patient and desist from
seeking higher salaries/allowances and extra facilities, which
taking together are much greater than average income levels.

In the same way, appeals should also be made to public
officials to desist from making comments on fuel price increases or long
queues of kerosene buyers in tones that could offend the poor,
like the statement made by the Coordinating Minister for the
Economy.

Ideally, the public service ads should also involve national
leaders, religious figures, retired servicemen, leading
entrepreneurs, senior journalists and well-known performers. Of
course, these campaigners should first set a good example by
exhibiting behavior that reflects patience, concern and
solidarity.

RAHMAN NURYADI
Semarang, Central Java