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resident Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo was doubted on his ability to be firm, but lately criticism has grown on whether he is going overboard with his messages and whether they are designed for the sake of popularity.

One of these messages is that leaders should live a simple life, as exemplified by no less than Jokowi himself through his attire and selective use of the presidential plane.

Critics point to the extra hassle when the President, for instance, uses commercial flights and economy class, as bodyguards fill seats that can otherwise be used by more passengers in need.

Critics also question the policy announced by Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Yuddy Chrisnandi who has immediately implemented the President'€™s call, mainly for the top echelons of the civil service.

Revenue for the hotel industry has reportedly dropped in a number of regions as ministries may no longer use hotels for meetings, with some government offices complaining over a lack of office space.

However, while there might be some truth to the complaints and criticism, they overlook the obvious message that is not lost on the public: the need to stop unnecessary spending on lavish venues, particularly near the end of the fiscal year, when government offices typically seek all possibilities to absorb their budgets in fear of receiving lesser sums in subsequent fiscal years if spending is found to be low.

This is not to mention widespread suspicions of corruption, as many cases have revealed indications of fictitious meetings, marked up hotel and travel costs and even fictitious programs and trips, all practices that are stealing public money that should go to better infrastructure and public services.

Critics also question detailed directives, such as a limit of 400 invitations for the wedding parties of top echelon bureaucrats, given the average extended family of Indonesians, let alone the social circles of those of higher status.

But again we express support for the overall message of President Jokowi amid constant howls that he is merely seeking popularity.

Here and there the restrictions for government offices have led to resourcefulness. Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini has said efforts to beautify the town have led to scores of curious tourists, which in the long term will offset losses in the hospitality industry from the absence of government meetings. In Bandung the local government is funding the renovation of underused buildings for extra meeting space.

The rise of an '€œordinary guy'€ to the presidency has brought hope and placed continuous expectations on the shoulders of leaders to end the harmful old mind-sets and habits, including the sense of entitlement to certain privileges just because one is appointed or elected to serve the public.

Jokowi alone is not the answer to all of our problems, but his message is not lost on a public that is sick of abuses of power by those who think such abuses are normal and right just because they are inherited practices.