Social insecurity

Social insecurity

Only hours after Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief announced
that the controversial order to divert funds from the state-owned
social security firm Jamsostek was, in fact, a decision of the
President, we awoke Saturday morning to news that President
Soeharto would be taking a 10-day rest from his official duties.
What does this mean?

Does it mean that by the time the President returns to
service, the fervor for an explanation of Jamsostek will have
waned? That official attention will by then have turned to other
problems? That the government expects no further criticism
of this decision? That the President, on account of his age and
his health, may not be asked to explain this use of the workers'
welfare funds?

It is imperative to examine the logic that was used to
conclude that use of public funds this way was acceptable. As an
ardent adherent of Islam, President Soeharto understands that as
human beings we are fallible creatures who often must reflect on
our conduct and ask forgiveness for our flaws. Was it a flaw to
think that funds could be diverted this way?

Maybe flawed logic originated with the President, maybe with
an advisor. We will not know unless a transparent discussion of
this matter continues. This is not to suggest that the President
would ever deliberately misuse funds. Nevertheless, it is
important to examine the logic behind the decision, even if that
logic belongs to the head of the nation.

The President himself has publicly insisted that he does not
want to be made into a cult figure. A cult figure is one whom the
people will follow blindly. President Soeharto does not welcome
this type of blind following; he has encouraged the people to
reflect on his continued candidacy for the presidency and his
fitness. It is clear, then, that President Soeharto does not
believe he is above examination.

Let all Indonesians honor the President's words and his
wishes. There may be those who think that in view of the
President's need for rest, it may be better not to continue an
investigation of the Jamsostek funds.

But the President himself will welcome the opportunity to have
this matter examined so that any errors may be corrected for the
good of the nation, and so that those in error may ask
forgiveness. Letting this matter fade into peaceful oblivion
would be a disservice to the President. By continuing to
investigate, the investigators are strengthening the
President.

The presidency will emerge stronger from this national
reflection on the use of public funds. Either the people will see
that the decision to use the funds this way was the best decision
for the workers, or the responsible people will see the errors of
logic that led to this conclusion, and will not repeat them.

People want to examine the President's logic, not his guilt.
His advisors should not shield the President from this
opportunity to let the nation see his strength.

Shielding the President would be not only a disservice but
possibly an insult, as if to suggest that on the eve of the
elections he is not strong enough to handle this.

The search for lessons should not be abandoned just because
the President will have a brief rest. He is, we are assured by
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, in good health. President
Soeharto himself will be the one most eager to lift the Jamsostek
decision to the light of public scrutiny so that all may benefit
from this, and so that there is no temptation to make him a cult
figure. Let the inquiry continue promptly.

DONNA K. WOODWARD

Medan, North Sumatra