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