Puerile mentality

It is natural that children like to be given attention, spoiled, indulged and condoned in their behavior.

What is illogical is that such childish mentality occurs with the power elite in this country.

Some people say that the sins or mistakes of former president Soeharto must also be borne by the members of the People's Consultative Assembly during Soeharto's reign; that the weakness of the rupiah is the whole nation's responsibility; that supremacy of the law is not solely the responsibility of the ministry of law and legislation, etc.

This list is seemingly endless with statements such as the weakness of the country's intelligence or security system is not the sole responsibility of the minister of defense and security; gang fights among school children are not the sole responsibility of teachers; the relinquishment of East Timor was not only due to the weakness of the then minister of foreign affairs but was also the responsibility of the whole nation including the pedicab drivers hanging out in the streets for lack of passengers.

Such puerile mentality will only create the impression that those responsible are not capable of facing the future with confidence. They will always walk with head bent because they feel guilty for being unable to take responsibility and hope that their mistakes also will be borne by others. Islam teaches that all leaders must be responsible for their leadership.

The Indonesian people hope that such a childish mentality will be replaced by a noble mentality. Leaders should have the courage to admit mistakes they have made and calmly say: "This is my fault and I am ready to take the blame."

H. IFRODI SUKANTO

Jakarta