Corruption leads to economic crisis

Corruption leads to economic crisis

From Jayakarta

Creating the desired clean government in this country seems to be very difficult. This situation can ascribed to the vicious circle of corruptive practices and lack of shame on the part of those perpetrating the corrupt acts.

There have been attempts to control the bureaucracy, but corruption nevertheless continues. A contributory factor to the failure of these attempts has been the willingness of law enforcers to save the guilty from embarrassment. Attempts to eradicate corruption in our country have so far been an elaborate fabrication.

The Republic of Indonesia has been independent for 53 years. It is regrettable that after all this time there is apparently still no civil society. According to Dr. Heru Nugroho it is in fact not allowed.

But the Republic of Indonesia is not a military state. Common people are in the majority, although many civilian posts, such as governor, minister and regent, are occupied by the military, in line with the armed forces' dual function.

Eradication of corruption should be given priority in light of the recent monetary and economic problems and the resulting crisis of confidence in the government.

Officials who feel they are no longer capable of fulfilling their tasks should resign in dignity, rather than hang on until they become the object of scorn.

To overcome the many "national disasters" which have befallen our country, a leader who is honest and of good moral standing must be found from within the ranks of our society.

I am convinced that someday such a person will appear to lead this country. God willing!

MAS SOEBANDI

Jakarta