The new royalty

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