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.