Honest, clean or else: Susilo

Honest, clean or else: Susilo

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono spoke strongly to his Cabinet
ministers on Thursday, warning them that he would not hesitate to
dismiss those who violated the political contract to stay honest,
clean and loyal to the state.

In a speech delivered after inducting members of his United
Indonesia Cabinet at the State Palace, he reminded the Cabinet
ministers that the political contract they had signed would serve
as a benchmark of their performance.

"You have promised to stay loyal to the state and to work hard
and honestly as well as to stay clean.

"If you are involved in any violation (of the contract),
including corruption, and are declared guilty under the law, you
must be prepared to resign and accept sanctions in accordance
with the prevailing laws," Susilo said.

During their fit and proper test, each candidate was asked to
sign a pledge to work hard and honestly if appointed minister.

The warning came just one day after Susilo said in his
inaugural speech that he would personally lead a national
campaign to wipe out the country's rampant and systemic
corruption.

Indonesia has been consistently placed among the world's most
corrupt countries. The Berlin-based Transparency International
issued its latest corruption index on Wednesday which saw
Indonesia as the fifth most corrupt nation among 146 countries
surveyed.

Rampant corruption has also been blamed for the economic
crisis that pushed the country to the brink of bankruptcy.

Susilo also urged the ministers to get to work immediately,
saying that the position serves as a challenge to give their best
to the country.

"The ministerial position is a sign of trust and honor, but it
also serves as a challenge for you to do your best," he said.

The Cabinet lineup, which was announced on Wednesday evening,
has drawn skepticism from the public, but Susilo told the
ministers on Thursday to prove their worth.

"You do not have to respond to these doubts with words, but
answer through your work," the President said.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by government
officials, former ministers and legislators.

Almost all of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri's
Cabinet members were present, including Indonesian Military chief
Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, who had tendered his resignation on
Sept. 24.

All chiefs of staff attended the ceremony, except the Army
chief Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu, who was proposed by Megawati to
replace Endriartono.

After the inauguration, the Cabinet members had an official
photograph taken on the steps of Merdeka Palace.