The situation is worsening

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