Sustainable but disappointing govt

Sustainable but disappointing govt

From Pelita

On most points, I tend to agree with Arbi Sanit's comments made during a discussion titled "The one hundred days of Megawati's government" held on Oct. 29.

Megawati's government is sustainable until 2004 -- performing "just routinely" -- but will not be able to come up with meaningful as well as satisfactory programs, especially for the common people. The removal of pedicab drivers, for instance, disappointed many people, who returned their membership cards of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).

The Cabinet's programs are too ambitious and less focused on the common people's plight, as the government is more support- oriented.

The political situation is relatively stable and the decrease in conflicts and disputes has brought some peace to the people's daily lives. The support of the House of Representatives (DPR) is also relatively solid, though it was slightly disturbed by the movements of some radical Muslim groups reacting to the U.S.-led attacks on Afghanistan.

Akbar Tandjung and the Golkar party are considered to be the important balancing elements between Megawati's group and the Central Axis. The coalition with the Golkar Party is also vital for Megawati to remain in power until 2004.

The scandal concerning Rp 40 billion of nonbudgetary funds from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) will be solved through compromise, as the result of the special committee at the House is almost always predictable. The Attorney General's Office might also state that they lack evidence to investigate the case further.

My own comment is that, since the country's birth, we have been yearning for conscientious solutions from conscientious human beings in whatever field they might be.

DHARMA WIJAYA

Cianjur, West Java