REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head, Thomas Lembong said, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked all government officials, whether at the central and regional levels to become public servants who can build the nation economy. During investment and trade meeting at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (Jan. 5), Thomas noted that Jokowi noticed existance of feudal-minded officials.
"President has ordered a change of paradigm or mental change needed, the mental change of the ruler became mentality of the servant," said Thomas.
According to Thomas, Jokowi stressed many officials have feudal attitude. For example, they are only waiting for the investors to come. The official with feudal attitude did not think need the investors.
"President even used feudal term, like the officials only sit and wait, as if the investors need us," Thomas added.
Thomas said President Jokowi asked ministers and heads of institutions continue to socialise the attitude or mental changes of the ruler to serve society. He also mentioned about the business licensing in the region.
He said government will fix it with the 16th economic policy package on the single submission, which will be published soon. In addition, the central government will bring together regional heads with central ministries or agencies to discuss priorities and investment targets in a region.
Thomas assessed, the key of successful investment and economic development in the regions was accountability or transparency in an investment project. Both local and ministerial or institutional leaders will be responsible for the process and success of an investment entering the region.
"I think one that very helpful if we can apply is transparency which very open to the media and community, where the service is bad, where the project is not running or vice versa and investment is very, very good and the services are very good. It will be incentives or motivations for local leaders and local governments and ministries and agencies," said Thomas.