Corruption a cultural problem: Experts

Corruption a cultural problem: Experts

SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Corruption in Indonesia has
become so ingrained in the nation's culture that wiping it out
will require a cultural approach, two scholars argued on
Saturday.

Amien Rais, an international relations expert and leader of
Muhammadiyah, a Moslem organization with 28 million members, said
that corruption is out of control in Indonesia.

"Corruption in this country has already reached an alarming
level. It is getting to the point where it could create social
jealousy and undermine the unity of the country," said Amien.
"When it comes to corruption, Indonesia is the world champion."

Mere commitment on the part of the government to wiping out
corruption is not enough, he argued, action is needed.

Scholars and ulemas, in particular, should have the courage to
fight corruption, said Amien, who is a lecturer at Gadjah Mada
University in Yogyakarta.

The rector of Diponegoro University in Semarang, Muladi, said
corruption had reached a point at which it is now difficult to
stop it growing, let alone eliminate it.

Corruption is not simply a legal problem, he said, but is more
of a cultural problem, meaning that a cultural approach should be
used in the fight against it.

More specifically, he said a major transformation was taking
place in Indonesian values, and that some traditional values --
such as "doing good deeds and working hard" -- are in danger of
extinction.

"Corruption is occurring because people have come to accept
that the end justifies the means. The most important thing is to
get as much money as one can without having to work or obey the
law," said Muladi, who is also a member of the National
Commission on Human Rights.

Muladi proposed that the world of higher education,
particularly business schools, teach business ethics and
professional ethics to their students.

He added that the courts should punish corruption with the
heaviest sentences available. (har/emb)