'Haphazard system causes corruption'
'Haphazard system causes corruption'
SEMARANG (JP): The closed political system is the root of the
widespread corruption and collusion in Indonesia, observers said
yesterday.
Sociologist Loekman Soetrisno and cultural observer Umar Kayam
agreed that the problem is worsened by the House of
Representatives inability to perform its function as a
supervisory institution.
"Members of the House of Representatives cannot do anything to
stop corruption and collusion...they are nothing more than
political employees. Meanwhile, none of the three political
organizations are really able to protect the interests of the
people," Loekman told The Jakarta Post.
He added that a haphazard political system is fertile ground
for corruption and can only be remedied by creating transparency
and accountability of the government.
While the government claims to seriously combat corruption,
analysts have noted that the problem is becoming widespread and
acute.
Intellectual Umar Kayam said corruption thrives in a system
which lets its instruments of control weaken.
Such a perception prevails because people often view power in
a very traditional sense, one which sees it as an absolute
entity.
While there is still a general acceptance of such a belief,
Kayam points to certain segments of society who are bucking these
obsolete notions. He points to laborers who now dare to challenge
their employers by going on strike.
According to Kayam, people have to stand up and make their
grievances be heard before the status quo starts to make changes.
"The power holders must be made to fear the instruments of
control, whether it's institutional control or control by the
people," he said.
While corruption occurs at all levels, Loekman Soetrisno said
the crisis is most worrying at the upper level.
Such practices at lower level, according to Loekman, are
driven by the pressing need to survive. It can be easily cured by
increasing wages, improving welfare of the lower-strata employees
and tighten surveillance.
"It is collusion and corruption at the upper level which makes
me angry. It is those at the upper level that should be watched
closely. They are doing it not out of a need to survive but to
amass wealth," Loekman said.
He said in his assessment that senior officials are haunted by
old age and the fact that retirement is just around the corner.
Thus these officials are driven to corruption to insure a
comfortable life once they retire.
"Corruption and collusion are definitely problems for not only
the government but the whole nation to stop in our attempt to
create sustainable development. What if donor countries stop
their aid to Indonesia?" he asked, referring to the international
focus given to such issues. (mds)