Savings measures good but not enough, say observers
Bambang Nurbianto and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The government won public support on Thursday for its move to cut unnecessary expenditure in the bureaucracy but was reminded at the same time that it needed to work much harder to combat widespread corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN).
Although the austerity measures announced on Wednesday by State Minister for Administrative Reforms Feisal Tamin were considered unlikely to save the state a great deal of money, supporters nonetheless said they were worth the effort.
Farid R. Faqih, coordinator of Government Watch (Gowa), said he doubted that, even if well-implemented, the initiative could save Rp 1 trillion in state funds a year as the government had predicted.
"The figure is nothing compared to the estimated Rp 100 trillion of the (Rp 340 trillion) 2001 state budget which is unaccounted for," Farid told The Jakarta Post.
The savings measures would be worthwhile, according to former minister of finance Bambang Sudibyo, if the government managed to eradicate the KKN practices being committed by both government officials and the business community.
The measures unveiled by Feisal encourage the efficient use of state assets and the adoption of a modest lifestyle by officials. This would include avoiding the hosting of luxury parties, banning office anniversary celebrations, restricting officials' travel and limiting the use of formal attire to specific occasions only.
"We welcome the move, but we would say that it is far from enough. The most important thing is to stem leakages from the state budget," Farid said.
Bambang stressed that only a strong political commitment to law enforcement would be effective in solving the various problems facing the nation, including KKN.
Yesterday (Thursday) was the first day ministers and other top officials were supposed to begin operating under the new, more Spartan regime.
Of all the new directives, the ruling on the official dress code was the one followed in the most haphazard fashion. A number of people failed to abide by the code, though all of the offenders were able to offer excuses.
Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra continued to wear a suit, which was "forbidden" under the new rule, arguing that he had to do so as cabinet meetings were formal occasions.
Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil also wore a suit, but for a different reason.
"You know I have a pot belly that hangs down conspicuously if I don't wear this suit. Besides, you'll be able to see the belt running under this flap around the waist," he said.
He asked for more time to buy himself a more suitable shirt.
Feisal reported that in the cabinet meeting all ministers took off their suit jackets and sat in long sleeved shirts and ties.
"I am sure all ministers agree with me and will not wear suits while they are working."