KPK proposes that candidates endorse anti-graft document<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has proposed that
\npresidential and vice presidential candidates declare their
\nprinciples and policies on corruption, which would be morally
\nbinding one they assumed power.<\/p>\n
Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, member of the government-sanctioned
\ncommission said candidates should put in writing their commitment
\nto corruption eradication, which would serve as a social
\ncontract.<\/p>\n
\"Thus, we would have a written document, which would be proof
\nof their accountability,\" Erry said, after a discussion on the
\nissue at the State Palace on Thursday.<\/p>\n
President Megawati Soekarnoputri opened the discussion, which
\nwas attended by ministers and top ministry officials.<\/p>\n
Megawati promised to crack down on corruption when she assumed
\noffice in 2001, but she has proved unwilling to go after high-
\nprofile cases involving businesspeople, politicians and military
\ncommanders. Former president Soeharto, who was charged with
\nstashing millions of dollars of a foundation's money, was later
\ndeemed unfit to face the court.<\/p>\n
The contents of the document, Ery said, were still being
\ndiscussed. He said it should contain the candidate's willingness
\nto punish colleagues or party members who were corrupt.<\/p>\n
\"In every country, the president is an important figure in
\nleading a successful corruption eradication campaign,\" Erry said.<\/p>\n
The document, he said, would not have legal consequences and
\nwould only be morally binding. It would, however, be available
\nfor public scrutiny.<\/p>\n
Asked if the document could be used as court evidence should
\nthe future president violate it, Erry said that was possible,
\ndepending on the extent of the violation.<\/p>\n
In her opening speech, Megawati admitted that corruption
\npractices were widespread in the bureaucracy, state enterprises,
\nprivate enterprises, as well as in social and political
\norganizations.<\/p>\n
\"We are aware that public understanding about corruption is
\nmore extensive than contained in corruption laws,\" Megawati said.<\/p>\n
\"It is not wrong that people consider abusing power to get
\nmoney is an act of corruption. Using office facilities for
\nprivate interests or family is also understood as corruption,\"
\nshe added.<\/p>\n
She acknowledged that the battle to fight corruption had been
\na long and difficult one.<\/p>\n
\"As we know (corruption) has yet to completely disappear.
\nVarious regulations and actions to fight corruption are almost as
\nold as our country,\" Megawati said.<\/p>\n
However, Megawati questioned whether corruption had worsened
\nin Indonesia, citing a foreign study that named Indonesia the
\nsecond most corrupt country in the world.<\/p>\n
She also said a claim that 30 percent of the state budget was
\nlost to corruption each year was based on a method that was never
\nclearly explained.<\/p>\n
\"They lead us to question what sort of corruption occurred in
\nIndonesia -- in what form -- and how (is it) that our effort to
\neradicate it has not been fruitful?,\" Megawati said.<\/p>\n
Erry said the corruption commission had received 177 alleged
\ncorruption cases in the first three months of this year. The
\ncases were reported by the public.<\/p>\n
\"Most of the cases are difficult to follow up on,\" Erry said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/kpk-proposes-that-candidates-endorse-anti-graft-document-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }