Fighting corruption

Fighting corruption

The Jakarta Post's report "Harsh punishment needed to
eliminate corruption" (Oct. 30) filled me with joy.

The Post itself considered it as a breath of fresh air because
the matter was brought up by Ginandjar Kartasasmita, the minister
in charge of national development planning.

When I read further down the column, my joy gradually
diminished, because I could not find any pointers on how to fight
corruption.

My experience in fighting corruption for five years has taught
me that there is no single cure for it. In my opinion, the most
that can be done is to minimize and not to eliminate it.

Of the many underlying causes of corruption, greed may be
predominant. This is shown by the fact that most of the
corruption is committed by rich, powerful people, and not by
small people.

Harsh punishment is indeed necessary to get results, but it
will not wipe out corruption.

Greater importance should be laid on guidance from senior
officials on how to fight corruption. If we can create honest,
responsible human beings with built-in control, then we may
minimize corruption.

One thing that is being overlooked is the prevention of
corruption. Physicians are wont to say: "Prevention is better
than cure." Therefore, we must pay as much attention to
preventing as to curing corruption. It is a long process, and we
must start as soon as possible.

The political will of the government is clear. It is up to us
to find the right way. We should not stand still because the law
is insufficient or because corruption has become a culture. With
dedication from the law enforcement agencies and a strong will,
the expected results may be achieved.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta