Don't give officials gifts: KPK

Don't give officials gifts: KPK

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) asked on Tuesday
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who recently announced he
would directly lead a national antigraft drive, to ban state
officials from receiving valuable gifts in connection with their
respective positions.

The President should issue a regulation to determine which
presents state officials can receive so as to avoid bribery, KPK
deputy chairman Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas said.

"We ask the President to endorse a regulation soon because if
state officials are allowed to readily accept gifts, they will be
subject to bribery and graft," he argued.

Erry said the proposed regulation should set a value limit for
acceptable presents for officials in the central and regional
levels.

He said the commission was drafting a ruling on the matter, to
be proposed to the President.

In relation to the antigraft drive, the KPK disseminated a
circular on Tuesday appealing to all state officials, including
legislators, throughout the country to reject valuable presents
deemed to be linked to their profession.

"We consider it (receiving such gifts) the beginning of
corrupt practices," Erry said.

He added that state officials could, however, still accept
gift parcels from relatives or close friends as long as it did
not affect their jobs.

The KPK made the request ahead of next month's Idul Fitri
celebration, during which the giving of parcels is a tradition.
People usually send presents to relatives, friends, work
superiors and leading figures.

Gift parcels are also usually given at Christmas and other
major holidays.

However, companies, individuals and other parties often give
parcels to state officials in a bid to gain business
opportunities or other interests.

"Before accepting a present from someone or a company, it
would be better for an official to consider whether the sender is
giving it due to his or her position. If so, the official in
question should reject it," Erry said.

Officials who have already accepted Idul Fitri gifts should
donate them to the needy, he added.

"If the gifts are valuable, they should report them to the KPK
as it is considered a form of gratification," Erry said.

Gratification is anything such as money, discounts, travel
packages, medication or other facilities given to state officials
in connection with their positions.

Under Law No. 30/2002 on the KPK, state officials are obliged
to report receiving any form of gratification to the commission,
which will decide whether they deserve it or not. If they do not
deserve it, the KPK will confiscate it on behalf of the state.

The commission also called on the public to stop placing
congratulatory messages for state officials through
advertisements in printed and electronic publications or in the
form of flowers, which is common after an appointment or
promotion.

"What's the point of publishing such ads? It's too much. We
think it's merely 'kissing ass'. Why don't they give the money to
the poor? We have millions of poor people here," Erry said.