The new royalty

Many of us are aware that the newly elected regents and mayors will feel like kings or queens when they take office. Until now, mayors and regents were not directly elected by the people but appointed by the central administration. Of course, this is because this nation has taken another step forward in its democracy.

So far, no major upheavals have occurred in the regional elections. Though, amid this climate, protests continue to be heard over social welfare, for instance.

Millions of ordinary people have been victimized by inconsistencies in the policies of the central administration. By electing regents and mayors directly, the people are hopeful of improvements to health services, that food shortages will become a thing of the past, that kerosene will be plentiful and education easily available and cheap.

Only, these overly optimistic people overlook that the fact that the new kings and queens -- mayors and regents -- will perceive themselves as all powerful rather than as servants of society. In other words, to gain from corruption they no longer need to wait for the central government.

Perhaps the environment -- I mean the widespread corruption -- has set a bad example. Who does not want to accumulate wealth? These kings and queens should bear in mind that they cannot afford to disappoint the people.

The promise in the independence proclamation of Aug. 17, 1945, could lead the people to think of another revolution, if they are disappointed.

GANDHI SUKARDI, Jakarta