Asia's most corrupt country<\/p>\n
A Hong Kong-based consulting agency, the Political and
\nEconomic Risk Consultancy Ltd. (PERC), after surveying 450
\nforeign companies representing 12 countries in the first quarter
\nof 1999, has concluded that Indonesia is a country with the
\nhighest level of corruption and cronyism in Asia. In the survey,
\nwith ratings ranging from zero to 10 (best to worst), Indonesia
\nscores 9.91 in the case of corruption and 9.09 in the case of
\ncronyism. Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan are relatively clean for
\nbusiness activities, though not necessarily to be understood as
\nbeing completely free from corruption practices. Three other
\ncountries next to Indonesia in terms of corruption are India
\n(9.17), China (9.0) and Vietnam (8.5).<\/p>\n
As an Indonesian citizen, I can't help feeling proud of the
\nfirst position that Indonesia occupies in the PERC survey, even
\nthough this means No. 1 in terms of corruption and cronyism. To
\nbe sure, however, I do not know when and how corruption in
\nIndonesia can be eradicated despite the existence of People's
\nConsultative Assembly decree No. XI\/1998 and the Anti-Corruption
\nLaw (Law No. 3\/1971). Reportedly, a new law is being conceived,
\none that is expected to intensify efforts to eradicate corruption
\nand establish clean governance. I cannot presume, either, whether
\nthe new president and the new administration that will be the
\nresult of the upcoming June 7, 1999 general election will, in the
\nreal sense of the words, eradicate corruption.<\/p>\n
It is public secret in Indonesia that the president,
\nministers, civil and military officials both in the government
\nand in state-owned enterprises and private businesspeople during
\nthe New Order\/Soeharto administration era were all involved in
\ncorruption and abuse of power. Corruption, collusion and nepotism
\nare considered normal and common practices in Indonesia. Few feel
\neither afraid or embarrassed to become involved in corruption,
\ncollusion and nepotism.<\/p>\n
SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/asias-most-corrupt-country-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }