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)