Sutiyoso's intransigence

Sutiyoso's intransigence

From Kompas

I was attracted to a report in Kompas on Oct. 6 concerning a
statement by Jakarta's new governor Sutiyoso. He said that if
there were people soliciting services or favors from government
agencies and referring to the governor as a relative, such
requests should be immediately rejected.

I reread the report to convince myself that it was not a fata
morgana but a factual statement. It was a cool breeze amidst the
heat of our forest fires.

Some time ago, Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat
stated that the wives and children of armed forces members were
to be prohibited from engaging in business. He also ordered that
if there were such cases, they should be reported.

Without the help of professional detectives, people have since
figured out that there have been violations against Sudradjat's
announced policy. It would be useless to wait for official
reports and sanctions regarding such infractions because who
would dare to follow through with them?

Mr. Governor, we stand behind you. Be consistent and act
according to the oath of your office.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta