Good governance and Syahril Sabirin

Good governance and Syahril Sabirin

Many people view the naming of (Bank Indonesia Governor) Syahril Sabirin as a suspect (in the Bank Bali scandal) as proof of intervention by the executive into the independent status of Bank Indonesia. (Lawyer) Todung Mulya Lubis has called it an intervention by the government into Bank Indonesia, whose independence is affirmed by Law No.23/1998. He fears such intervention might worry the international community and raise questions over Bank Indonesia's independence as a monetary center.

In as far as it is intended to eradicate corruption, collusion and nepotism and as long as it does not violate any laws, the Attorney General's Office decision to resolve the Bank Bali scandal is proper enough. However, if the political content of the case becomes too dominant, or if it is done as a mere diversionary tactic, we are afraid that the results will be disappointing.

Eradicating corruption, collusion and nepotism, including in cases that involve the presidential palace, is important if we want to establish a reputation of good governance.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta