Integrity of finance minister

A lot of the criticism and controversy regarding the appointment of Prijadi Praptosuhardjo as finance minister has not ended since his installment on Aug. 26, 2000. Not only the political opponents of Abdurrahman Wahid, but also the market did not welcome his appointment. The main reason was because Prijadi failed in the fit-and-proper test conducted by the central bank. To express its concern, The Jakarta Post titled its editorial on Aug. 26, 2000 Prijadi who?

Recently, Teten Masduki from Indonesia Corruption Watch alleged the involvement of Prijadi in the mismanagement of under-performing loans of conglomerates while he was a director of corporate loans at Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI). The allegations were based on the audit findings of the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP). Without further investigation of the audit findings, we don't know whether his involvement was on his own initiative or because of pressure from his superiors. If the latter was the case, I think he may be excused for what he allegedly did. On the other hand, I think that mentally he is not strong enough for the position of finance minister. If, in the past, he was easily pressed by the president director of BRI, what if he comes under pressure from the President?

So far, the central bank has not elaborated on the reasons for Prijadi's failure in the fit-and-proper test. If the reason was more to do with managerial skills, it wouldn't worry me too much. But if the reason was his personal integrity or ethical qualifications, it indicates that the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism in this country is not more than an empty slogan. We have to remember that as a finance minister he has the authority to manage hundreds of trillions of rupiah of state funds. He is responsible not only for fiscal policy and the state budget but for overseeing the 162 state companies as well.

We all are aware that the appointment of the Cabinet members is the prerogative of the president but since ministers are public servants it would be a lot better if President Abdurrahman Wahid considered the people's concern.

Back in 1993, prior to the appointment of Janet Reno as the attorney general, President Clinton nominated one of his supporters for the position. However, he changed his mind after he was given reliable information that the nominee had previously employed an illegal immigrant in her home. Unfortunately, Indonesia is not the United States of America. We don't have to be without hope, though; we can keep our fingers crossed and hope that our worries won't become a reality.

M. SULHAN ASKANDAR

Jakarta