The situation is worsening

Once again we are reminded of the importance of communications, openness and transparency.

It started with the rumors concerning the trip to China by the president's husband, Taufik Kiemas, accompanied by six ministers. Because it was not transparently explained, the public only knew that the president's husband had led a group of ministers on a government mission.

Harsh criticism emerged. Why was the president's husband appointed to lead a government mission? Did this not contradict his functions and duties as a member of the House of Representatives (DPR), who is supposed to supervise the executive rather than being involved in its activities?

The next subject is the business world. All kinds of almost simultaneous increases, such as electricity and telephone charges as well as fuel prices, along with the hike in the minimum provincial wage, have given business people splitting headaches.

It is most unfortunate that the start of the new year, which should have been a moment to strengthen our determination to pull ourselves out of the crisis, is now creating pessimism.

We must now break away from this kind of situation. The only way to do so is for all the components of the nation to effectively work together.

-- Kompas, Jakarta