'Corruption can't be eradicated overnight'

'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