Trustworthy governor needed

Marco Kusumawijaya's impassioned article of June 18 on the need for a trustworthy and competent Jakarta governor was inspiring. Its relevance, of course, is not confined to the governance of Jakarta. As a principle, it should be a template for stewardship through all tiers of government throughout Indonesia. It is indeed a "now or never moment" for making strategic choices and actions, in respect to the management of Jakarta.

The formula for effective management at any level encapsulates at least all of the following: honesty, faithfulness, sound business acumen, clarity of vision, patience, planning and above all selflessness. Alas, it seems that selflessness is a largely untested concept, at least within the bureaucracy of Indonesia.

It is encouraging that people of Marco's ilk are at least attempting to light up the collective consciousness. It is furthermore encouraging that he is free to do so.

However, for the time being at least, I suspect there are a few more "unripe mango" picking seasons ahead for Bangsa Indonesia.

IAIN A. EDWARDS

Jakarta