Shepherd will tend RI flock

I refer to the article by Benny Susetyo (The Jakarta Post, March 11, under the heading This country needs visionary leader, not simply a ruler). The writer argued in the opening paragraph that he was focusing on the process of democracy and ignored completely what is the objective or bottom line of the democratic process: The empowerment of civil society and improvement of the Indonesian people's socioeconomic welfare, as well as the enhancement of fairness in achieving social justice.

The democratic process is useless if, at the end of the day, there is no improvement in the Indonesian people's welfare and social justice.

As in the United States, "corporate democracy" has produced scheming and "scamming" as well as monetary crime and scandals in the form of money politics and in corporate welfare. Dishonesty and a corruption-prone government system are the outcome of "corporate democracy".

On the other hand, "grassroots democracy" has brought Indonesia nowhere, as long as Indonesians consist of only two types of people: - Rulers/people who enjoy power and always wish to rule. - Indonesians who are ruled and governed for all of their lives. Moreover, 80 percent of the Indonesian people have a limited education, i.e. only to primary or secondary level or, at most, senior high school.

Hence the "election machinery" is in reality a monkey machine that produces a leader only of monkey-like qualities. "Grassroots democracy" requires common sense and honest people, not easily manipulated by political party leaders who simply give them small financial handouts.

What we need is a shepherd, someone who: * always positions himself on a higher plateau, higher than his followers or sheep, in order to be able to take a long perspective; * always guides followers with care, love and fairness.

HARTOJO WIGNJOWIJOTO, Jakarta