Transparency

From Media Indonesia

We come across the word `transparent' almost every day in the media. Transparent means clear, concrete, fair and open.

Do we practice transparency in this country?

We have to have enough courage to do it. Those who are used to abusing their positions and authority will surely reject the idea of transparency. But we are sure that sooner or later transparent actions will become a way of life because the government is always making an effort to become clean and respectable.

Let's take Singapore as an illustration. In the International Plaza we can easily get data about a company, either on the computer screen or on printed copy, for just S$5 (Rp 6,500). Through this system a businessman can choose his or her partner and he or she will know all particulars concerning the company -- its asset, owners of shares, the members of the board of management etc. When speaking of food, you can know the price of a certain dish. Displaying the list of food prices is obligatory or the proprietor of the restaurant is subject to a fine.

Some say that if we practice transparency, our business sector will make no profit. That statement is groundless. Transparency should be taken to mean honesty. And every sensible man likes honesty.

I hope that each and everyone of us will translate words into actions, which is particularly essential in combating all kinds of malpractice.

S. BUDIONO

Jakarta