Akbar does not

Akbar does not deserve support

From Rakyat Merdeka

The political elite has misused the reform message students have struggled for since 1998. The aspiration to build a new Indonesia, where people enjoy better welfare and social justice, remains an illusion.

Justice and better welfare seem to be only utopian words as the people still live miserably. The price of daily necessities keeps rising. The people's economy is marginalized, whereas magnates who stole the country's wealth still enjoy privileges from the government.

Amid the gloomy condition, the political elite has ignored morality and people's needs. Members of the House of Representatives have opposed the formation of a Buloggate II commission of inquiry on the abuse of the funds of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

The country's politicians made various arguments in support of House Speaker Akbar Tandjung, who has been implemented in the embezzlement of Bulog funds. They are not aware that the reform drive and moral power demand the trial of corruptors and those involved in political, economic and legal crimes.

As part of the morality and reform movement, the Student Executive Body of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) calls on the Attorney General's Office to tackle corruption cases fairly, strictly and objectively. As a suspect, Akbar Tandjung should not enjoy privileges.

The formation of a House commission of inquiry on Buloggate II is necessary to show the House's determination to create good governance.

We call on the people to always think clearly and objectively, and not to be easily exploited by groups that want to preserve their power.

ATANG TRISNANTO

Bogor, West Java