Book procurement corruption

Book procurement corruption

From Bisnis Indonesia

Though a survey has shown that Indonesia is one of the most
corrupt nations in Southeast Asia, we really are plumbing new
depths by allowing rampant corruption and collusion in a book
procurement project financed by World Bank aid.

If proven, it means that corruption is widespread not only
among conglomerate bosses and bureaucrats, but also among those
entitled to seek assistance from public and other agencies.

It is incredible that aid worth US$53,232,000, aimed at
promoting children's education through the provision of
schoolbooks, has reportedly been misappropriated by publishers
and individuals -- people who were previously believed to be
reputable.

With this corruption case, it is not only the contractors that
will end up being punished by being denied the right to
participate in World Bank-funded projects for the next few years.

The government of president elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,
too, will be put to the test as regards whether he can keep his
campaign promise of eliminating corruption.

TAUFIK KARMADI
Jakarta