Corruption foils reform movement, says Nurcholish

JAKARTA (JP): Noted Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid called on the nation to renew its commitment to fighting all forms of corruption, collusion and nepotism, lest it lose the momentum of the widely touted reform movement.

"We have to ask all Indonesians to swear eternal condemnation toward every form of corruption, collusion and nepotism in order to put the reform movement back on track," Nurcholish said in his political speech on Wednesday.

Nurcholish noted the fight against these practices, commonly known by the acronym KKN, was the primary effort needed if Indonesians wished to survive the transitional period of reform.

"It will be very dangerous if we let the immoral practices become a common habit, as it will definitely lead to the destruction of the nation," Nurcholish remarked.

Nurcholish, often dubbed the nation's teacher, said he was disappointed with the fact that Indonesia remains fertile ground for KKN despite the reform movement, which had forced former authoritarian ruler Soeharto to resign.

Nurcholish's speech came amid mounting doubts over the government of President Abdurrahman Wahid, whom many critics say has veered away from the reform ideals.

Elected in October 1999, Abdurrahman has been linked to two financial scandals concerning the alleged misused of a Rp 35 billion fund belonging to a foundation established by State Logistics Agency (Bulog) employees and of his acceptance outside government channel a US$2 million financial aid from the Sultan of Brunei.

The scandals are being investigated by a House of Representatives special committee.

Nurcholish said the country's present leaders should learn from the "disgraceful" downfall of former president Soeharto, whom the Muslim scholar said had opened up all possibilities for KKN to grow during his tenure of three decades.

"The New Order regime was a great place for KKN to live as Soeharto held the central position in the country," Nurcholish said.

The absence of social control has allowed a certain group in the society to continue looting the country's assets and fooled the people, Nurcholish said, leading to the most severe economic crisis ever suffered by the country.

"Now, our nation holds the chance to return to the principles promoted by our founding fathers, who always called for the need to place the public interests and welfare above all else. It will be a great sin if we let the chance fade," Nurcholish said.

He reiterated the importance of having transparent and accountable government as it would be impossible to let one person decide the fate of the whole nation, no matter how good, charismatic and smart the person was.

All decision-making processes made by the executive, legislative and judicial institutions should be made visible to the public to ensure that it will not harm public interests and welfare, Nurcholish said.

"The presence of transparency and public accountability is a must for all of the three state institutions and their members," he remarked. (dja)