Informant law a must

Informant law a must

The fate of Khairiansyah Salman (a Supreme Audit Agency (BPK)
auditor who recently blew the whistle on the General Elections
Commission (KPU) for alleged corruption, which led to KPU member
Mulyana W. Kusumah's arrest by the Corruption Eradication
Commission (KPK), has stunned all who want to see Indonesia free
of corruption.

As reported by nearly all media, BPK chief Anwar Nasution's
emotional reaction to his auditor's actions outraged many people,
including Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who justified the reporting
of any alleged corrupt practices by any citizen.

Almost every Indonesian knows Anwar Nasution as a champion of
the anticorruption drive, especially when he became Bank
Indonesia deputy governor and immediately labeled the bank a
"nest of thugs". His negative reaction to his auditor's behavior
has reversed people's view about him, and put Khairiansyah's
career at risk.

In addition, Mulyana's case has put Khairiansyah and his
family at risk, leaving him, his wife and children virtually
confined to their house. They are afraid to go out. As a result,
KPK vice chairman Erry Riana Hardjapamekas, on behalf of the KPK,
asked the police to protect Khairiansyah and his family.
Policemen guard his house every day (Indo Pos, April 19).

The actions of Khairiansyah, and the "negative" reactions he
received, mainly from his superior, illustrates the need for the
speedy passage of the "whistle-blower bill" currently being
debated by the House of Representatives.

Another crucial bill that will help combat corruption is the
Freedom of Information bill, which is also awaiting approval by
the House.

M. RUSDI, Jakarta