Corruption and regional elections

Corruption and regional elections

From Kompas

Corruption can be grouped into three categories: Corruption by design (done intentionally), corruption by accident (done unintentional), and corruption by need (out of urgent necessity). The first group deserves the most severe punishment.

Embezzlers will always deny their involvement though they are unable to conceal their wrongdoing. The leader of an institution, though claiming to have no knowledge of his staff's graft practices, remains responsible for their deeds.

The impact of a past scandal will continue to haunt the relevant institution. Many people doubt if the implementation of local government elections by the regional General Elections Commission (KPU) will be smooth unless the central KPU graft case has been totally sorted out.

Sadly, the reordering of KPU now under corruption charges is proceeding very slowly, while regional elections are already in progress. Some circles suggest that the elections be suspended to prevent any unsatisfactory or illegitimate outcome, which may trigger unrest.

I. SUKANTO Jakarta