Savings measures good but not enough, say observers
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."