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