Rebuilding Trust

The consequences of living in such a low-trust society, whether we are aware of it or not, among other, are suspicion to and strong prejudice against each other which diminish mutual support

Hustle and bustle of Indonesian politics in 2014 seems endless. The polemics virulently flows from one topic to another and even on unexpected issues. The most obvious issues include the recent 2014 presidential election process as well as war of words and tumult of opinions regarding regional election bill by regional legislative council (DPRD).

Political ambition of the elites serves as fertile soil for the growth of people’s sense of distrust towards the elites in the country. Despite of accusation of performing political stunt, the boldness of several political party members who currently serve as regional leaders to reject the regional elections bill, so as to position themselves against the wish of parties where they are from and to expose themselves being fired by those political parties, are a few example of the flourishing distrust.

The reciprocal sacking among political party elites is a form of deep distrust. People are actually laughing at all the “twisted logic” and behaviors of those who label themselves as “ people’s representative” do these situations indicate something wrong with our political, legal, social and economic system? Aren’t those systems established by the government on grounds of trust given by the people? Are people’s expectations for fulfillment of their guaranteed and protected by sovereign government? What happens now is like the “ connivance” of the majority groups oppressing the minorities. It is so?

The writer often hears that legal practices in Indonesia are in an alarming state of emergency. In their campaigns, presidential candidates openly spoke about judicial mafia as the culprit of poor legal enforcement in the country. To make it worse, conditions of distrust has infected Indonesia’s economy. Corrupt judicial system has given rooms to government officials to commit tax fraud for private gain and to abuse power for corruption and extortion, as well as to culprits who offer fraudulent, unscrupulous mortgage investments. Resignation of the CEO of a leading state Owned Enterprise (SOE) recently brings back memories that management of SOEs is still subject to legislative and executive intervention and indicates the “distrust” to the board of direction of the SOEs in managing the businesses professionally.

One of key success factors, Indonesian economic growth, still depends so much on the trust of capital owner ( foreign and domestic) to invest their money. As pledged by the president and vice president-elect during the election campaign, indonesian economic growth will be boosted to 7 percent subsequently, economicst prdicates the investment flows until 2019 are expected to be in the range of IDR 6.000 to IDR 7.000 trillion in total if the state budget can only support 25 percent of the economic growth. It will be very interesting to see how to president and minister in charge of economic section will achieve the target.

People trust to their leaders has actually been reflected in 2014 presidential election. Long before has was elected as president, Jokowi could win people’s trust through hard-work resulting in the improvement of Surakarta and Jakarta, regardless of the accusation of self image building. Likewise, his strong contender, Prabowo, who was successful in building his image as a decisive and strong leader, has won trust from people that under his leadership, Indonesia’s dignity and sovereignty will stand firmly before foreign countries, regardless of his alleged involvement in the kidnappings of student activists in 1998.

“Indonesia will be an Asian tiger” has won people’s sympathy and trust. Public trust, however was manifested into different ways. For , people opted for participation to support him, while the trust to Prabowo tends be organized in a hierarchy, resembling a military organization.

As the rule of law prevails, law should be enhanced as the most effective controlling too in the country. Establishment of various organization, forums and commissions of law enforcement should be able to improve people’s trust. many of these bodies should be able to simplify judicial bureucrazy in order to reduce corrupt practice carried out by judicial mafia. Public trust to judicial system is positively correlated to people’s compliance with the law, believing that one’s rights as citizen recognized.

Establishment of the financial service authority (OJK), which controls activities of all banks and non-bank institutions should be able to consolidate people confidence that the money they have given to and the money that has been managed by these institutions will grow and safe. The use of information technology in banking practice and management, which lead to branchless banking, should gain more confidence in order to create good corporate governance. Cashless financial transaction will increasingly be utilized to improve the level of accountability and public trust that any transactions are carried out fairly.

The 2014 presidential election which has just finished should be the starting point to rebuild public trust in all aspects of life in the country. The seemingly plotted hustle and bustle must end immediately. Never let people trust to the new government be undermined by politicians whose ambition to control the power was not fulfilled. Give credence to the new government to fulfill their promises during the election campaign to work, work, and work.

There is an impression that the losing side of 2014 presidential election was not ready to admit the opponent’s victory, but the winning side is now expected to accept that the opponent controls the parliament, if this situations goes beyond expectation, let’s shout out the slang and by young people. “capek deh. Woles aja kele.” (We’ve had enough. Take it easy).