Public's welfare also important

Public's welfare also important

High-ranking Indonesian Military and National Police officers
must have had nightmares the night before, because President
Megawati Soekarnoputri thought it necessary to insinuate that
they only think about themselves.

When handing over Rp 7.5 billion (to be used to upgrade
military/police housing facilities), the President stressed that
the funds should not be abused.

It is no secret that most middle- and high-ranking officers
are quite well off. Their wealth exceeds their incomes, leading
many to assume that they acquired it through improper means.

One source of their income is the management of profit-
oriented cooperatives and foundations. This practice also
influences low-ranking soldiers to imitate their superiors,
albeit on a smaller scale.

The President's insinuation applies not only to the leaders of
the Army and the police but also to civilians, because the
disparity of wealth has been a disease for years and requires an
immediate cure.

Considering the living standards of most people, one wonders
why it is only the military and police being helped.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta