KKN is like a virus<\/p>\n
There is a lot of talk on corruption, collusion and nepotism
\n(KKN). In the latest government budget, the President gave his
\nviews on the causes of KKN in the government. A lack of
\nsupervision, inadequate remuneration and an excessive number of
\npersonnel seem to be the main causes of KKN. A more effective
\nsupervision, a better system of salary and better recruitment of
\npersonnel hand in hand with an improvement of accountability and
\ntransparency should cure the evils of KKN.<\/p>\n
Like always, it is repeated that law and legislation should be
\nimproved and, last but not least, its implementation with
\nindependent judges. The latest remarks made by Minister of
\nFinance Bambang Sudibyo in The Jakarta Post on Jan. 27, 2000, in
\nthe article titled Govt assesses \"power\" to nail corrupt tycoons)
\nput, however, these intentions in a completely different light.
\nHe wonders whether the \"real\" power is with the government or
\nwith those very people at the origin of all the present ills. He
\nreckoned that the New Order regime was still more powerful than
\nthe present government and administration, because many from the
\nOld Order still have money, weapons and experience.<\/p>\n
How depressing indeed! But could we not consider KKN as an
\nillness, a virus that we would like to eradicate? There are
\ndifferent solutions to its eradication depending on its origin,
\nnature and spread. You don't fight cholera, a pest or gangrenous
\ndisease in the same way. Likewise, you would not fight KKN in all
\nareas and situations in the same way. You analyze its origins,
\ncharacteristics, causes and effects. Who is immune to it and why?<\/p>\n
As with many illnesses, one gets often demoralized by noting
\nits spread and effects. But most of the time cures are found by
\ncreating an environment or area free of the disease. Start by
\ncreating KKN free zones. Cut them off from KKN-infected persons.
\nTake quick and radical action as soon as you discover one
\ninfected in those areas. (Did you read about the \"zero tolerance
\npolicy\" that helped reduce the crime rate in New York?) Don't
\nstart with the most difficult, sensitive areas. Take the soundest
\nand easiest to cure sectors first. Build gradually on the success
\nof each one. Be patient but systematic. In 1983 the government
\ndecided to clean up customs. They called on the private firm SGS
\nto temporarily replace the custom's office for several of their
\noperations. Thousands of redundant government employees were told
\nto stay home. If that operation was a success, why not repeat it?
\nAs was argued at that time, it is better to continue to pay the
\nsalary of government officials to stay home rather than have them
\nwandering around looking for \"tea money\", falsifying documents
\nand creating even more losses to the state. In the same light, I
\ndon't have any problem seeing government officials receiving
\nsalaries comparable to those given in the private sector as long
\nas they are equally responsible and accountable for their
\nactions. These are only ideas that have come to mind. What
\nconcrete strategies and action plans are the government
\ndeveloping? Could we read more about them?<\/p>\n
PHILIPPE LYSSENS<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/kkn-is-like-a-virus-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }