Corruption busters

Corruption remains as prevalent in our society as it did two years ago. We have only seen marginal progress in the effort to convert the culture of payolas into one of responsible and accountable management.

It will take many more years before any inkling of the "clean society" this country seeks starts to emerge. However, it will require the concerted efforts and dedication of the current generation to embark on this endeavor if our children are ever to live in a community where corruption is an exception and not a norm.

Nowhere is the prevalence of corruption more evident than in a survey conducted by Transparency International, which found that about one-third of households surveyed said they had to bribe public officials for the simplest things such as getting a drivers license.

The 2005 Global Corruption Barometer found that political parties were considered the most corrupt Indonesian institutions, followed by, not surprisingly, the House of Representatives, the police, and the customs and excise office.

The most surprising result of the survey, however, was the increased degree of public confidence that corruption was declining. A whopping 81 percent said it was declining.

This positive perception was said to be related to the work of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) that has succeeded in bringing to prosecution several high profile cases.

Today marks the KPK's second birthday. From tenuous beginnings, filled with doubt and suspicion, the KPK has thrust itself into the forefront of the nation's battle against this malignant behavior.

Their successes may be modest, just small holes a massive wall of impunity, however at least it gives hope that corrupt practices are not an incurable deadly cancer, but an infection that can be cured with discipline and dedication.

We strongly urge continued public support and oversight for this important Commission. They alone cannot be the standard bearer in this national struggle, but their presence is an inspiration in a battle against what was once perceived as an impervious enemy.

It is imperative that present members of the KPK also establish internal systems to ensure its integrity so that its future stature is not dependent on a group of "untouchables" who have the luxury fending off the temptations of bribery.

"Trophy" cases -- ones that involve corruption at the highest institutional levels -- are important as symbolic efforts to curtail systemic corruption at lower levels.

But it is also important to show that corruption does not 'pay'. This means more than just a slap on the wrist of three to four years incarceration for someone who will later enjoy the fruits of their iniquity.

We also believe that there should be a focused set of priorities that includes a "clean-up" of law enforcement agencies -- the courts, Attorney General's Office and police.

Without the participation of these three bodies, it is impossible to see how the anti-corruption drive can go beyond anything more that what has been accomplished thus far.

To this end, certain "trade-offs" may be required in order to penetrate institutions in which mafias of opportunists are so powerfully burrowed.

Perhaps the most important weapon in this struggle is the conscience of every decent citizen not to become engaged in corrupt practices, and to deter practices that do not conform to legal or ethical norms.

After enough high-profile victories, it will be time to take this fight to the masses. To bring them onboard against this enemy within.

The Transparency International survey demonstrates that by showing integrity, the public will become faithful soldiers in this righteous struggle.

This nation has been imprisoned in an erroneous habit of opportunism for so long that sometimes all seems bleak. But the dedication of a few is proving that the battle can be won. It will not be easy, and the culture of consumerism in our society makes it even harder to reduce material exigencies.

But we believe, to paraphrase Marx, that human beings were born good and it is the economy that turns them bad.

People need to be led. Those of us who are able must set an example that crime, corruption and other abuses of power are not privileges, but sins.

People need to be shown and convinced that doing the right thing is the right thing to do.