A test for Habibie

A test for Habibie

On the first anniversary of the current Habibie administration last May, discussions were held to rate the performance of the President's Reform Cabinet. In the areas of politics and freedom Habibie scored pretty well. His lowest score was in eradicating corruption, collusion and nepotism -- a task that was specifically entrusted to him by the People's Consultative Assembly.

After a long lapse of time during which the public waited for him to act, Habibie, for some reason, has now found the courage to exercise his power and act on his moral convictions: The Bank Bali scandal constitutes a blemish to his reputation. It not only offends the public's sense of justice, it also impairs Habibie's personal integrity.

Habibie's order to concerned government agencies to resolve this case in a week's time constitutes a rare display of courage. This incident provides welcome momentum for Habibie, who is currently seeking to be elected President by the next Assembly.

If this Bank Bali scandal ends the same way as other scandals which have offended the public's sense of justice, Habibie had better rethink his intention of running for the presidency, and instead openly admit his failure to fight corruption and establish the supremacy of law.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta