The President should set an example

From Koran Tempo

The decision to place the Indonesian Banking Restructuring Agency (IBRA) under the control of the State Minister of State Enterprises is now a reality. Hence a part of the nation's assets is now within the "jurisdiction" of a minister of a certain political party, which won the last election.

In this case, I think it is only more than appropriate for the President (who also happens to be the chairwoman of the same party), to clearly state the reasoning, supported by the relevant considerations and rationale, behind the above decision. In the meantime, however, let's leave aside the clamor of the pros and cons, or the comments of those commending or suspecting the whys of the decision.

Granted, every new government can change policies without having to be consistent with those made by the previous ones. However, the original purpose in establishing IBRA and the careful reasoning for not placing it within a ministry in charge of state enterprises should have been taken into the President's serious consideration.

All of this is to avoid allegations and suspicions from some who might think that there could be a hidden purpose or scenario, or even further assume that IBRA could be turned into a money- printing machine for the benefit of a certain group or political party (which is merely a small fraction of the people) rather than the entire nation.

Also for the sake of the people, and to avoid any possible conflict of interests, wouldn't it be better for the President to resign, with sincere willingness, from her position in the political party. This is one way to show the people their President's tremendous sacrifice.

Apart from that, the concerned political party, for its own benefit, can then indicate that its existence is not always dependent on the "majesty or greatness" of its leader.

A clean government and good governance, today still only in the people's dreams, can be initiated by the President herself; and therefore the related actions, rather than poetic words, will speak louder.

TAUFIK K.

Jakarta