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