Government to adopt new approach to fight KKN

Government to adopt new approach to fight KKN

JAKARTA (JP): The government is formulating a new approach for
the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism among state
officials, State Minister of Administrative Reforms Feisal Tamin
said on Monday.

"The plan will include several measures, such as reviewing
policies that could open up the possibility of such practices,
shortening bureaucratic procedures and providing stricter rules
covering unauthorized levies," Feisal said.

He said that he had submitted the ideas to President Megawati
Soekarnoputri and asked for her approval during a meeting with
her at Merdeka Palace on Monday.

"In the proposed plan, we also highlight the importance of
publicizing the proper procedures for dealing with state
officials and the proper levies for each process," Feisal further
told a media conference.

He said that the President would study the plan to identify
the appropriate form of regulation, whether it be a presidential
decree or an instruction.

"However, such an effort cannot be successful without the help
of the public. We need everybody to keep a watchful eye on state
officials and report even minor violations to the government," he
added.

Megawati, in her first state-of-the-nation address last week,
underlined that she would put an end to all opportunities for
such practices and told her close family and relatives not to
abuse her presidency to obtain unlawful benefits.

The new government faces a major challenge to prove its
commitment in fighting corruption, collusion and nepotism that
have become a major feature in the country's downturn in the last
four years.

In the meeting with Megawati, Feisal also suggested that the
government separate most state agencies from their ministries so
as to create more effective government.

"For example, it is very difficult for the minister of home
affairs to also run the National Land Agency at the same time. So
why don't we just appoint new chiefs for state agencies and let
them work under the coordination of the minister concerned?" he
said.

The suggestion also applied to the National Coordinating Board
of Family Planning that is currently under the leadership of the
state minister of women's empowerment.

The Agency for the Application and Assessment of Technology,
at present led by the state minister of research and technology,
should also have its own chief, he said. (dja)