Revival of social affairs ministry

Revival of social affairs ministry

The plan to revive the ministry of social affairs is almost
certain, as confirmed by Vice President Hamzah Haz, and it seems
that the President has listened more to the opinions of her
allies rather than the public.

Politically, the decision is correct, but professionally it is
unproductive. Even caretaker Minister of Health and Social
Welfare Dr. Sujudi has stated that the planning, consolidation
and integration of the former social affairs ministry with the
health ministry and all of their programs was conducted properly.

Reviving the ministry of social affairs means that new echelon
one and echelon two positions will be reinstated and, of course,
add to the burden of the state's budget. Not to mention the red
tape that will be created.

If the only reason for reviving the ministry is to accommodate
as many allied parties' politicians in the Cabinet, it is a
costly business. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the
allies will be consistently supportive.

We realize that one of the Articles in our 1945 Constitution
states "the poor and neglected children are taken care of by the
government", but this doesn't mean that we have to establish a
ministry to handle them. I think it's time the central government
gave this role to local governments.

Without channeling the welfare of poor people through the
central government, and with the help of non-governmental
organizations and public supervision, I believe the poor people
will be in good hands with the regional governments.

M SULHAN ASKANDAR

Jakarta