13 - Responding to Various Development Proposals (1997)

Summary

Introductory Note: Studying the attitude and habits of Bapak Sudharmono, S.H. in handling the various matters he faced over the years would be a good idea for those who are in charge of approving, rejecting or improving various kinds of proposals to build development projects; or of purchasing goods and/or equipment; or of hiring contractors; or of providing certain goods or services, etc.

The original heading of this article was “Is It Necessary?” a contribution in a book titled Impressions and Recollections from Friends — 70 Years H. Sudharmono S.H.

Bapak Sudharmono was the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia for the period of 1987–93. He had formerly held the post of Minister/State Secretary for many years, and he had earlier served in the government in various capacities for a very long time. He began his close cooperation with the state economic team in 1966.

The way Bapak Sudharmono worked was fruitful and brought huge benefits for the nation and the country and could be a model not only for the Indonesian people but also for the peoples of other nations, who are trying to develop their countries.

“Is it necessary?” That was always the first question Bapak Sudharmono raised when someone was proposing a project or operation of a grand scale. The manner and the way in which he formulated this question might have varied from time to time, but the essence was always the same.

The question posed in an inquiring tone often made the applicant uncertain about whether the project was really necessary after all.

However, if the applicant could explain why the project was necessary, another question would be sure to follow: “Do you think the high-cost is justified? Can you make it smaller?”

If the applicant came up with an answer to that, Pak Dharmono would then ask: “Do you really need it now? Is it that urgent? Isn't there another thing that is more urgent?”

If there was an answer to these inquiries, still another question would follow: “Can't you make the cost lower? Have you made a real effort to save money?”

And if all of the questions were met with reasonable answers, Bapak Sudharmono would call for a feasibility study, adding that: “I will ask experts to review the feasibility study. I will let you know the results later.”