Fighting corruption<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post's report \"Harsh punishment needed to
\neliminate corruption\" (Oct. 30) filled me with joy.<\/p>\n
The Post itself considered it as a breath of fresh air because
\nthe matter was brought up by Ginandjar Kartasasmita, the minister
\nin charge of national development planning.<\/p>\n
When I read further down the column, my joy gradually
\ndiminished, because I could not find any pointers on how to fight
\ncorruption.<\/p>\n
My experience in fighting corruption for five years has taught
\nme that there is no single cure for it. In my opinion, the most
\nthat can be done is to minimize and not to eliminate it.<\/p>\n
Of the many underlying causes of corruption, greed may be
\npredominant. This is shown by the fact that most of the
\ncorruption is committed by rich, powerful people, and not by
\nsmall people.<\/p>\n
Harsh punishment is indeed necessary to get results, but it
\nwill not wipe out corruption.<\/p>\n
Greater importance should be laid on guidance from senior
\nofficials on how to fight corruption. If we can create honest,
\nresponsible human beings with built-in control, then we may
\nminimize corruption.<\/p>\n
One thing that is being overlooked is the prevention of
\ncorruption. Physicians are wont to say: \"Prevention is better
\nthan cure.\" Therefore, we must pay as much attention to
\npreventing as to curing corruption. It is a long process, and we
\nmust start as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
The political will of the government is clear. It is up to us
\nto find the right way. We should not stand still because the law
\nis insufficient or because corruption has become a culture. With
\ndedication from the law enforcement agencies and a strong will,
\nthe expected results may be achieved.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/fighting-corruption-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }