Resigning and modern management

From Tempo

The credit fraud at Bapindo involving businessman Eddy Tansil, state bank executives and top officials is still a hot issue even after three months of constant media attention.

All of the defendants have been arrested but the top officials implicated in the case are still untouched.

One of them had given reference letters so powerful that the bank executives could not refuse to disburse a huge amount of credit to Eddy Tansil.

Instead of suggesting that the top officials involved make an apology to the Indonesian people and resign from office, another leading figure said openly recently that resigning is not a part of that Indonesian culture. That seems to mean that we should not apply such behavior in this country.

The statement is definitely confusing. First, why should the Bapak thwart the public's strong demand for resignations by linking the action to culture? Isn't he forgetting that it is the people's demand that officials live up to their responsibilities after taking erroneous steps during their terms of office? Obviously, people in places of authority should not be making excuses in this case.

Second, resigning from office is an act which is universally accepted by organizations and countries all over the world which adhere to democratic systems. This is because those who have power are voted into office by the people, authority is not bestowed upon them by a supernatural power.

Third, one of the five principles of the development plan of this country is a strong and honest government. To achieve such an ideal government, modern management is needed.

In modern management, resigning from office because of a mistake is not taboo. Such an act is a strong element of an open and modern management.

JULKIFLI RUSTITAL

Jakarta