Reform needed

The urgent need for reform cannot be denied, if only Indonesia can survive the present monetary crisis. Indeed, many think that economic and monetary reform alone are not sufficient to overcome the current turmoil. Political reform is also urgently required.

I believe the government agrees with the need to initiate economic and political reform. Some time ago, I wrote in this paper (Jan. 7) that greed was the most likely root of the current problems. The reform package must therefore also address social and cultural issues surrounding greed. Action is required to nullify the adverse cultural developments witnessed in this country over the past 30 years.

Socially there are two groups: the ruling elite and bureaucracy, and the subordinate people. We all know that officially sovereignty lies in the hands of the people, but in reality, governance is almost always a top-down process. In many cases people are only the object and not the subject. This process must be reversed. Let the people's voice be heard now. Let the people hold their sovereignty in the true sense.

Socially and culturally the ruling elite has become too powerful for the people and it is always the government's will or interpretation that prevails. The "yes man" attitude, safe playing, hypocrisy, corruption, collusion, hooliganism and feudalism in the bureaucracy should be totally banished.

Also, clean government is a must for this country in order to ensure victory, success, prosperity for the whole nation, justice and stability.

H.W. PIENANDORO

Bogor, West Java