The President should set an example
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