Criticism is Like Medicine, but an Overdose Can Make Us Sick: Yudhoyono

Jakarta Globe, Camelia Pasandaran, February 08, 2010

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visiting the Marine Corps during an exercise on Sunday. (Antara Photo)

During a speech on Monday at the National Police Conference, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono likened criticism of the government to a powerful medicine, but said that an ‘overdose’ could have a negative effect.

“Criticism is like medicine. When the medicine is right for the disease and is given in the right dose, it will make us healthy,” Yudhoyono said in front of National Police officials in Jakarta.

“But if the medicine is given in the wrong dose, it will make us sick,” he said.

“Criticism, including insults, if it is in the right dosage and accompanied with the right solution, will bring goodness to everybody, including the government and the police.”

During his speech, Yudhoyono also recalled a question he was asked by a Police Academy graduate in Surabaya during the height of last year’s conflict between police and the nation’s Corruption Eradication Commission.

“Mr President, how should we behave when the spotlight, critics and accusations are focused on the police institution?,” Yudhoyono said, quoting the question.

“My answer was that the police must be clear-headed, rational and calm. Do not get emotional. Undertake evaluation and introspection, including on whether or not there are still weaknesses in carrying out your duties. If there are, then it has to be fixed,” the president said.

In his closing remarks, the president reminded police that they should always remember to be a role model for the public, despite the low level of respect shown to them at times.

“The service and dedication of the police are often forgotten by the people and they lack respect,” Yudhoyono said.

“During more than five years of leadership, the police have been working weeks and months to unravel the narcotics network, which has massive impact in protecting thousands and millions of people. They have also been (successful) in eradicating terrorism and preventing our nation from becoming an ‘ocean of violence.’”

“They have done more work than they should do.”