A couple of issues ago I talked about how KKN is still very much embedded in the fabric of Indonesian society. This granted it is not to say that there are no active efforts to remedy the situation and bring the country into a new era. Change is obvious if you compare the now with the then. Over the last year or so, for example, I and many others in Indonesia have noticed a positive change in the way government “does business”.
If you have to deal with government, these days processing times for pretty much anything have been cut drastically and in many departments it is easy and efficient to achieve what once involved major headaches and time-wasting. Let’s take the example of the tax department – there are signs up everywhere here informing citizens not to grease any palms or to accept being charged for any taxation service. It is simple to get a tax number (and queuing is not altogether unpleasant if you don’t mind Bollywood on the hanging TVs). You can even get a tax number online, as you can in developed countries. The staff are friendly and willing to serve, and you are delegated a representative who deals with your particular taxation region (say ‘Denpasar Timur’). This rep is also happy to answer any questions you have by phone.
Another progressive government office worth mentioning is licensing. Processing a local license is fluid and efficient, and extensions can be done on the spot. I’m interested to try this office out for a foreigner’s license. After a phone inquiry I’ve learnt out that the process is potentially quick and quite reasonable, so fingers crossed!
This progress can only be good for all of us. This future of Indonesia as a credible, accountable, modern and progressive nation is pinned on efforts not just by the government, but by each and every one of us. Right on, fight on!
