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.