'Haphazard system causes corruption'<\/p>\n
SEMARANG (JP): The closed political system is the root of the
\nwidespread corruption and collusion in Indonesia, observers said
\nyesterday.<\/p>\n
Sociologist Loekman Soetrisno and cultural observer Umar Kayam
\nagreed that the problem is worsened by the House of
\nRepresentatives inability to perform its function as a
\nsupervisory institution.<\/p>\n
\"Members of the House of Representatives cannot do anything to
\nstop corruption and collusion...they are nothing more than
\npolitical employees. Meanwhile, none of the three political
\norganizations are really able to protect the interests of the
\npeople,\" Loekman told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
He added that a haphazard political system is fertile ground
\nfor corruption and can only be remedied by creating transparency
\nand accountability of the government.<\/p>\n
While the government claims to seriously combat corruption,
\nanalysts have noted that the problem is becoming widespread and
\nacute.<\/p>\n
Intellectual Umar Kayam said corruption thrives in a system
\nwhich lets its instruments of control weaken.<\/p>\n
Such a perception prevails because people often view power in
\na very traditional sense, one which sees it as an absolute
\nentity.<\/p>\n
While there is still a general acceptance of such a belief,
\nKayam points to certain segments of society who are bucking these
\nobsolete notions. He points to laborers who now dare to challenge
\ntheir employers by going on strike.<\/p>\n
According to Kayam, people have to stand up and make their
\ngrievances be heard before the status quo starts to make changes.<\/p>\n
\"The power holders must be made to fear the instruments of
\ncontrol, whether it's institutional control or control by the
\npeople,\" he said.<\/p>\n
While corruption occurs at all levels, Loekman Soetrisno said
\nthe crisis is most worrying at the upper level.<\/p>\n
Such practices at lower level, according to Loekman, are
\ndriven by the pressing need to survive. It can be easily cured by
\nincreasing wages, improving welfare of the lower-strata employees
\nand tighten surveillance.<\/p>\n
\"It is collusion and corruption at the upper level which makes
\nme angry. It is those at the upper level that should be watched
\nclosely. They are doing it not out of a need to survive but to
\namass wealth,\" Loekman said.<\/p>\n
He said in his assessment that senior officials are haunted by
\nold age and the fact that retirement is just around the corner.
\nThus these officials are driven to corruption to insure a
\ncomfortable life once they retire.<\/p>\n
\"Corruption and collusion are definitely problems for not only
\nthe government but the whole nation to stop in our attempt to
\ncreate sustainable development. What if donor countries stop
\ntheir aid to Indonesia?\" he asked, referring to the international
\nfocus given to such issues. (mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/haphazard-system-causes-corruption-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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