Candidates focuses on cecurity, corruption fight

Candidates focuses on cecurity, corruption fight

Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Security and corruption were two crucial issues that have been
given serious attention by Megawati Soekarnoputri and Hasyim
Muzadi and their rivals Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla
ahead of the Sept. 20 presidential runoff.

Answering questions raised by a group of panelists, Megawati
Soekarnoputri and her running mate were determined to improve the
capability of the security apparatus and an early-detection
system and enhance regional cooperation with neighboring
countries to create a feeling of security among the people.

"The people have the right to feel secure and, therefore, the
capability of the security apparatus must be improved, the
modernization of equipment used by the military and the police
force is needed, as well as good cooperation between the
legislative body and the government," she said during the dialog
that took place at the Hilton Hotel here on Tuesday evening.

Megawati, also the incumbent president said, however, there
was no sophisticated technology is existence that could be used
to detect terror attacks. "Even, the United States and other
developed countries could not foresee terrorist attacks."

Indonesia has enhanced and will continue to enhance
cooperation with neighboring countries in the (Southeast Asian)
region, Australia, the United States, Europe and the Middle East
to counter terrorism and transnational crimes, she said.

Panelists focused on the security issue, as at least nine bomb
blasts have rocked Indonesia during her three-year tenure, with
three major terrorist attacks, namely the Bali bombing on Oct.
12, 2002, the JW Marriott bombing in Jakarta on Aug. 8, 2003 and
the Australian Embassy bombing on Sept. 9, 2004. The latest
attack, believed to be have been the work of an extremist group,
killed at least nine people and wounded more than 180 others.

All panelists were proposed by the General Elections
Commission (KPU) and approved by the two pairs of candidates.

Facing a similar question in separate sessions, Susilo and
Kalla emphasized the importance of close coordination among
security authorities and cooperation between security authorities
and the people.

"Terrorism will remain a serious threat in the future,
therefore, close coordination among security authorities,
including intelligence agencies, must be made effective. We will
develop a local security system with the people playing a role as
eyes and the ears for security authorities," he said.

He said that besides improving the security apparatus'
capacity to launch security operations, Indonesia should also
continue enhancing regional cooperation to counter terrorism and
transnational crimes.

Susilo said further that despite his military background, he
would promote "a balance between security and liberty".

"We will respect freedom and human rights but security must be
also upheld to create a feeling of safety and to allow the
economic growth," he said.

His running mate Kalla added that a revitalization of all
aspects was required to maintain security and create a feeling of
safety among the people.

Concerning widespread corruption, Megawati and her running
mate Hasyim underlined the continued reform of the bureaucracy
and the regular audit of all state officials' assets in an
attempt to gradually fight corruption.

She acknowledged that she has so far been cautious in the
appointment of state officials in strategic positions, but her
government had not yet succeeded in eradicating corruption.

Hasyim said the reform of the bureaucracy would continue not
only to ensure their neutrality and their service to the public
but also to improve their professionalism.

Susilo said he would set up an anticorruption team which he
would lead, since the corruption has affected all elements in the
society.

"Besides, other state institutions, especially the Supreme
Audit Agency, the Anticorruption Commission (KPK) and the
judiciary system must be empowered to wage war against
corruption," he said.

The two presidential candidates and their running mates also
pledged to continue managing regional conflicts in Aceh and Papua
and improve the implementation of regional autonomy to maintain
the unitary state and help develop true democracy in the regions.

They were of the same opinion that professionalism of the
military and of the police must be built and the defense budget
had to be raised gradually to help improve the welfare of the
security personnel and their families.

So far, only 30 percent of the military budget has been
allocated from the state budget while the remaining 70 percent
comes from non-budgetary sources, including the military's
businesses.