Bankers or robbers?

There is a general impression that investigators have been dragging their feet in their probe into the embezzlement of state funds. Police and public prosecutors have yet to really indicate just how far they have come in investigating three Bank Indonesia directors fired while former president Soeharto was in office for allegedly misappropriating credits in conspiracy with a number of banks.

Considering today's legal apparatus and the rampant practice of collusion and corruption uncovered in the government lately, we suspect that more conspiracies are behind the authorities' apparent reluctance to seriously investigate such banking cases. Deliberate delays such as this usually mean that some high- ranking official is involved.

Now, after much public pressure, law enforcement officials have finally surrendered nine bankers to the police for investigation of suspected banking crimes. Although this is a promising development, many others have managed to flee abroad because of the authorities' foot dragging.

The courage to surrender nine bankers to the police is a good step forward toward enforcing the law and repairing the good name of the law enforcement apparatus. However, the investigations must not stop at those who are still in office. Former officials must also not be allowed to escape the arm of the law.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta