'Corruption can't be eradicated overnight'

Indonesia is regularly listed as one of the world's most corrupt countries. Now the most recent study by Transparency International Indonesia lists Jakarta, the national center of power, as the country's most-corrupt city. The Jakarta Post asked two residents about their opinion on should be done to eradicate corruption.

Fara, 26, works at an advertising company in Central Jakarta. She lives in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta:

Isn't it funny that every politician running for the presidency or a seat on regional councils promises to stay clean and to do their best to eradicate corruption in their office and soon as they get in, they say the whole country needs to help them fight corruption. What a laugh.

However, I believe one strong-minded, untouchable president, or police chief or attorney general or judge can make a change.

We cannot eradicate corruption overnight, of course. But we can make a difference.

For example, if I have to renew my driver's license, I could ask for a day off from my office so I can go through all the procedures -- which may take several hours -- rather than paying a middleman to bribe the police to expedite the process.

I think there wouldn't be corruption if there was no need for it.

Murniyati Arisandi, 74, is an activist of HelpAge Indonesia, an organization helping elderly people. She lives in Rawamangun, East Jakarta:

I'm not sure whether the report is true or not. But if it is true, I cannot understand how people could carry on in such a way when there are still so many poor people that could be helped by the money that is stolen.

I think law enforcers should be more serious when they investigate corruption cases and punish corruptors. Such serious action would deter others from committing these crimes.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said his administration would fight corruption. But I am pessimistic that he will be successful because of the great obstacles he faces in the form of certain people.

I think religious preachers must continuously remind officials that God knows what they do in this world and that they will be asked to take responsibility in the hereafter.

--The Jakarta Post