Indonesian Officials' Modest Lifestyle: From Mr. Hatta To Regulations For Officials' Modest Living Movement

Mr. Karno and Mr. Hatta. (Wikimedia Commons)

In an increasingly hedonistic and materialistic era like today, stories about modesty and honesty are increasingly relevant in people's lives. Unfortunately, many public officials who have abundant wealth are trapped in showing off and living in luxury which is detrimental to the state and society. Like the case of Rafael Alun Trisambodo, Head of Makassar Customs Andhi Pramono, and former Head of Yogyakarta Customs Eko Darmanto, which recently became viral in the media.

In fact, Indonesia is one of the countries with a long history of struggle, where its leaders used to live modestly and have a fighting spirit for the welfare of their people. Recently, however, the lifestyle of Indonesian officials has raised concerns in society. Impressed with showing off wealth and the hedonistic lifestyle that officials live, far from the modesty and fighting spirit shown by past leaders.

Some of Indonesia's great figures such as Mohammad Hatta, General Hoegeng, or General Soekanto, Indonesia's first National Police Chief, are known for their modest lifestyles and far from hedonism. These three figures are known as role models of modest living and fighting for the interests of the people. Even Mr. Hatta, who had experienced difficulties paying the electricity bill, never complained and lived a modest life.

In the New Order era, former Director General of Taxes who later became Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad also showed modesty. Of course, the public remembered the car he owned when he was in office.

However, over time, more and more officials in Indonesia are demonstrating a luxurious and hedonistic lifestyle. Even though it is known that the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) has issued a regulation that BUMN bosses are prohibited from showing off their wealth and a luxurious lifestyle on social media. This is done as an effort to reduce the negative image that arises related to the behavior of officials who are not modest. Several agencies have also issued the same warning.

The behavior of Indonesian officials who like to flaunt their luxurious lifestyle also has a detrimental impact on society. This behavior creates the impression that being an official is an easy way to be rich and live in luxury, without having to fight for the interests of the people. It can also reinforce perceptions that corruption and nepotism are acceptable ways to acquire wealth and status.

Therefore, it is important to promote a modest life movement among public officials in Indonesia. This can be done through the establishment of regulations and rules governing the lifestyle of officials, including prohibiting showing off wealth and lavish lifestyles on social media. In addition, strict supervision and sanctions are needed for officials who violate these rules.

The modest life movement can also be carried out through intensive socialization and coaching for public officials. This development can be in the form of training and education on leadership ethics and morality, as well as developing awareness of the importance of living modestly and fighting for the interests of the people.

By promoting a modest life movement among public officials, it is hoped that a leadership climate that is more honest, transparent, and oriented to the interests of the people will be created. This can bring about positive changes in governance in Indonesia, as well as increasing public trust in the government and public institutions.

However, the implementation of the modest life movement among public officials still requires continuous efforts and support. It requires consistency from public officials in adopting a modest life and maintaining integrity in carrying out their duties, as well as support from the public to continuously monitor and provide feedback on government performance. In this way, it is hoped that a leadership climate that is more honest, transparent, and oriented to the interests of the people in Indonesia will be created.

And, it should be possible. Because so far President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), as the leader of Indonesia, has often shown it. Not only President Jokowi, but his family also set an example. Like the first lady, Iriana, who is often seen flying economy class. So it's not difficult.

After all, people also don't expect state officials to have trouble paying for electricity or to act poor. What people only ask is not to indulge in excessive luxury.