Role of NGOs

Role of NGOs

From Media Indonesia

Various newspapers published the statement on NGOs made by the Commander of the Jakarta Military Command during a seminar in Jakarta. The statement, among other things, said that the wrong perception of NGOs must be changed. We all should view the NGOs with an open mind. NGOs are expected to represent the public interests now and in the future. They should act to bridge the interests of society and government.

We at the Humanika organization hail the statement as positive as far as the NGO image is concerned. NGOs have an idealism through which the bodies can render services to the community that otherwise would not be taken care of by the government's development program. As a result, some members of the community are left behind or neglected in the development process and some even become victims.

It is here the NGOS have a role to play, i.e. in helping find the best possible solution to local problems. In fact, NGOs function as partners of the government and society in their quest for the welfare of the people as a whole. This partnership can only be profitable if it is carried out honestly.

We strongly believe in frank and open cooperation between NGOs, society and government, on an equal footing basis for the well-being of the Indonesian people.

BURSAH ZARNUBI

Head of Humanika

Jakarta