'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)