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