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