Ali Sadikin Dislikes Rules That Officials Are Prohibited From Receiving New Year's Prizes, As Long As They Are Not Money Sogok

While serving as Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ali Sadikin did not agree with the rules for officials to be prohibited from receiving New Year's gifts, the important thing is that they do not receive bribes. (Perpusnas)

JAKARTA - Suharto and the New Order (Orba) have banned state officials from receiving New Year's gifts. Suharto's desire to fight gratification is behind it. Anyone who violates will be punished. From office to criminal punishment.

However, not all state officials support this rule. The governor of Jakarta, Ali Sadikin, for example. He considers the rule to be fabricated. For him, it would be better if the New Year's prizes beat up the practice of corruption within his government, rather than taking care of the New Year's prizes.

The failure of corrupt practices in the New Order era has become common knowledge. The practice of corruption under the table to the sogok is like a tradition of government officials. The image of the New Order that was the source of corruption reached Suharto's family. He was furious, not playing. But reluctant to take action.

Instead of massively eradicating corruption, Suharto was actually busy improving the government's image. He appealed to state officials to be sensitive to the condition of the community. The state is not doing well. Poverty everywhere. State officials were then asked not to show their luxurious lifestyle to the general public.

Another effort made by Suharto was to make a rule product. Presidential Decree (Kepres) No. 10 of 1974, his name. The presidential decree contains restrictions on the activities of state officials in order to maintain the simplicity of life.

One of the important points is to prohibit state officials from receiving gifts in the context of big days, such as Eid and New Year's Day. Suharto made this effort in order to fight gratification and polish the image of the New Order.

"State employees, ABRI members and officials are prohibited from receiving gifts or other similar gifts in any form except from their husbands, wives, children, grandchildren, parents, grandmothers or grandfathers on certain occasions, such as birthdays, New Year, Eid, Christmas and other similar events unless customs do not allow it," reads Article 7 in Presidential Decree No. 10 of 1974.

However, not all welcome the prohibition of giving gifts on New Year's Day. The Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ali Sadikin, is one of the angry state officials. He considered the rule too far-fetched.

According to him, state officials have no problem receiving various New Year's gifts. Moreover, the prizes given are limited to food, flowers, or cakes that are not much in price. Except for what was given in the form of a thick envelope containing new money, state officials are clearly not allowed.

Ali Sadikin recommends that the government should not take care of trivial matters. The government can actually carry out beneficial activities such as eradicating corruption directly. This activity is better than being busy banning the awarding of New Year's gifts. Especially if Suharto and New Order wanted all those who were corrupt, their noses could be seen by utilizing military forces.

Koran-kabar mengumumkan bahwa dalam rangka Tahun Baru dan Lebaran, pemerintah pusat melarang para pegawai negeri menerima hadiah Lebaran, hadiah Tahun Baru dari publik. Saya kaget. Saya berpikir. Saya menilai dan berbicara sendiri. Kampang Lebaran/ Tahun Baru itu paling apah sih? paling-pala bunga, makanan-food can, kasi tarcis.

What does that mean? The price at the time was at most Rp. 30-50 thousand. It's arguably not expensive. And for those who give, who have ever received such good service, this is the best way, which is neutral, showing gratitude. I asked religious experts, how is the grip on this. he said that according to Islam, such an attitude is not prohibited, "said Ali Sadikin as written by Ramadan KH in the book Bang Ali: For the sake of Jakarta 1966-1977 (1992).