Over the last few weeks, for example, we have failed to understand why members of the House of Representatives, despite the ample time they have had to undertake “study tours” abroad, only managed to pass seven out of 70 bills scheduled for deliberation this year. And what makes this even more annoying is that few House legislators see this as a problem.

Last week, we were puzzled by various statements made by those in government circles about the existence of an organized movement to topple President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). Even though SBY’s government has been in power for six years, some of those around him are still imbued with a strong sense of insecurity.

Many were also annoyed by the news that the Trade Ministry found it important to include a question on the President’s songs in the entry test for prospective civil servants at the ministry.

While officials at the ministry insisted the question was only meant to test the “general knowledge” of candidates, it was seen as inappropriate by many, and it was indeed tantamount to an act of boot-licking. In fact, even the palace was reportedly annoyed by it.

Then there were also a sequence of statements pushing SBY to reshuffle the Cabinet. Politicians, including those from the President’s coalition partner parties, voluntarily offered their assessments of the performance of Cabinet members, and asked the President to replace them with “more competent” individuals. In doing so, they also apparently forgot that many of the “incompetent” ministers were actually members of their own parties.

The government also seemed to see no problem in the way it governs. Many problems facing the government seem to have gone away, not because they have been resolved but simply because they are often forgotten when new problems arise. The fact that when it comes to politics Indonesians often have short memories helps the government tremendously. If this form of governance continues, it is a recipe for the accumulation of serious public frustration.

On the other end of the behavioral spectrum, very few politicians are disturbed by the growing problem of religious intolerance, thuggery and lawlessness. Mobs and violence have increasingly become daily news in some cities. The police seem unable (or unwilling?) to take serious measures to deal
with them. The fact that these mobs and thugs are posing a real threat to state sovereignty does not seem to be an issue.

It is apparent that some government officials and politicians are lost when it comes to setting the right priorities because they have been hitting the wrong targets. Small issues are treated with a sense of urgency. For example, accusing those who criticize the government of trying to topple SBY is simply an act of political delusion — but no less delusional than those who dream of toppling the government through street movements and unconstitutional methods. Similarly, asking a question about the title of songs composed by the President in the entry exam for civil servants is also a case of the sheer inability in getting priorities right.

With this kind of behavior, we should not be surprised if our democracy seems to be stuck where it was six years ago. Further democratic consolidation will require not only better institutional and procedural frameworks, but also better democratic norms and behavior. Indonesia’s democracy cannot go very far if our government officials and politicians continue to get their priorities wrong. They need to reflect on what their real tasks and obligations should be.

SBY’s government should no longer bother with popularity ratings. It is not relevant whether he is more or less popular than US President Barack Obama. What matters is what SBY has done to make sure Indonesia will indeed move ahead faster, so it can soon join the league of emerging middle powers such as China, India, Brazil and South Africa.

For that to happen, the government — instead of worrying about its critics and image — should be more concerned about the fate of the nation and its people.

The writer is the executive director of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta.

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