Leveraging Technology to Improve Governance

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/03/20/your-letters-technology-improve-governance.html

The morning sky was bleak and cold when I finally stepped in the Depok Immigration Office for the first time. Trying to have a faith that the online system would save me from an endless maze of bureaucracy, I gingerly looked to my left and right for cues. The smiling security officer at the door lessened my agitated foreboding. He was friendly, helpful with any questions I asked and courteous in manners.

To anticipate any unpleasant snaking queue, I came early in the morning. I was lucky there's only around 20 people queuing at the registration counter which was already open for verifying the documents and issuing ticket number at 7 a.m. Meanwhile, the interview session opened at 8 a.m. As the sun went higher, people started to flock in.

After getting the ticket number, I waited while making an observation. To be frankly, it's not quite from what I expected. With the familiar loopholes and blockades of government bureaucracy in Indonesia, getting my passport done in a timely manner is almost an impossibility. I pictured a crowded and disarray place. To my surprise, it was quite the opposite. It took less than an hour and was quite orderly and the lines moved quickly when my name was called in.

Thank God, I have applied online so the process was quicker than those who registered manually which made my passport application much faster. I have filled in all the required forms online, scanned the necessary documents and have them uploaded. Only after I submitted the application online, I made the actual payment to the appointed bank. When the payment was validated by the system, I picked a date for my interview. It’s simple and easy.

And the magic of technology unfolded! I was done with the interview, finger prints scanned, and biometric photo for less than half an hour.  All done! I could collect my new passport after 4 working days by showing my receipt. At 10 a.m I headed back to my office, smiling and satisfied with the effectiveness and swiftness of the Depok Immigration Office. A total different experience with the government institution years ago!

What’s more, I was never in any way mandated to pay any additional money. The process was not frustrating in any way. The staffs are mostly young generation who work fast and efficient. It saves me time and money. All payment is made through the appointed state owned bank. The layout of the interview and verification room is designed smartly so that no one could slip an envelope or any other payment without the notice of the people around them. First to arrive, first to be served. Each desk is also equipped with the electronic data capture (EDC) machine to make payment easier for those who are reluctant to go the bank.

Indeed, an online system is much more than developing hardware and software for data collection and management. Manual services for the public in various government over the years without the use of technology creates multiplicity of databases, increasing the cost of governance and also systemic loopholes within the system, which become foundations of corruption. Using the right technology and system can improve the public services of these offices and prevent corrupt practices.

I have seen such good service done also at the Taspen office (National Insurance Pension Funds) at my hometown. It was faster and efficient to collect all necessary documents and payment from the office when my Dad passed away.  No bribery or any other payment made to speed up the process. They have applied online registration system as practiced in commercial banks. The clients come, have their ticket number issued and the system will announce each counter for the process. It’s much like going into the bank.

Indeed, Indonesia will be better if such transparent and efficient online system can be applied in all government institutions. Such system can eliminate frustrated red tape and illicit fees as all due processes can be monitored online. If any discrepancies were found, one could file a complaint. It is such good governance endorsed by good system which is already applied by the Jakarta Administrative Office with their e-budgeting. It improves transparency and accountability to the public.

Those who are benefited from the old system without doubt will fight tooth and nail to stop such bureaucratic reformation. Just look at the endless saga between the Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and the City Council. To combat corruptive practices is a daunting task. Those on top on power, who try to do so, will have to walk into the path of thorns and thistles. It is a lonely path with looming dangers, wolves and hyenas ready to rip and torn any who dare to trespass.

For this reason, we need to support any who dare to talk such a dangerous path. We have to rally behind those who want to reform and overhaul the bureaucracy to improve the public services and eradicate corruption. Leveraging technology by applying the On-line Applications System for Integrated Services thus is vital in the quest for achieving more transparent and accountable government. Technology is coercing people to change their behavior. It will eventually will cut red tape, make the administrative systems simpler and more efficient to improve the transparency and accountability of the overall government institutions.

Shameless Episode of Political Clowns

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/03/10/your-letters-circuses-shame.html

As if it is not enough to see the blood-boiling circus at the councilors' House for the last few months, we shake our heads in frustration to witness another shameless acrobatic move of the local councilors at the Jakarta. Instead of entertaining the crowds, these political clowns depleted our energy, infuriated the masses and robbed us the peace. They acted like little annoying 'gremlin' who multiplied instantly and ready to destroy the neighborhood.

On the other side of the story, Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama with his typically unflinching and outspoken nature, inflamed the councilors more by reporting the city controversy budget irregularity and the councilors’ past mistakes the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The already strained relationship between the legislative and executive worsened into a new stage. The councilors threatened to use their right of inquiry that could lead to the governor’s dismissal.

The saga continues, a blatant shameless politicking episode is displayed. Ahok fought head to toes, a fierce warrior of justice in the skin of a lamb, prone to be slaughtered and skinned alive by the pack of wolves. Winning seems a case of impossibility, as these cunning merciless wolves would remain as thorns in the government. The political atmosphere transforms into an active volcano, unpredictable when and how will it erupt. 

The obvious victim of such debacle is without a doubt, Jakartans and the development of it. In the absence of harmonious relationship between the two bodies, any reform agenda will be held a hostage. To have budget transparency and efficiency is an uphill battle.

The shameless act of the political clowns reminds me of the inspiring words of one of the world’s greatest leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, who once said that politics without principle is one of the deadly sins. Gandhi must have known that politics and principles are on the extreme polarities and they cannot be forced into a marriage of convenience.

All the more now, the shameless display of gutter politics going on in every news outlet make us more skeptical and our distrust to the politicians reduce below zero. The madness unfolding daily with shocking twists demonstrated by the lawmakers as well as government officials feels like truth is staring at us with a quirky smile. The result is what we have in full view of the public, the unfolding of a shameless comedic drama that is keeping the media occupied and the masses at large enraged.

Our esteemed lawmakers appear to be pretty occupied with enriching themselves and put efforts to save what little left of their pride. They have little concern or worry for the people which should be their priority. The infighting for power, with the musclemen trying to wade through the thick fog of deception for their personal gains, strengthens the sentiment felt for some years now that we, the people have enough of these political clowns.

The vileness displayed by each member in House has eroded the nano bit of hope and trust in the people.