Investigation of Soeharto's wealth

Investigation of Soeharto's wealth

Should the sources of former president Soeharto's financial
assets be investigated? By all means. And afterwards, should our
efforts end there? By no means.

The majority of Indonesians seem to agree that the wealth of
Soeharto's family, friends and cronies should be examined to
determine who benefited in an unfair or illegal manner during the
New Order era. Prosecution can then begin. But after that, is
everything over? I certainly hope not.

If we Indonesians decide that corruption, collusion and
nepotism (KKN) must cease in this country, shouldn't we take real
steps towards enforcement? Bribery and graft are corruption by
most standards. Outside of Soeharto's circle, does anybody know
of bribery and graft being conducted by individuals or companies?
Isn't it therefore our duty to help stamp out the practices? Has
anybody any knowledge of nepotistic actions anywhere -- again,
not necessarily within the Jl. Cendana crowd? If we want a better
Indonesia, shouldn't such "external" nepotism be stopped
immediately?

Some people say we should start at the top to set an example.
Fine, but if any prosecution ends there, isn't there the
possibility that widespread middle-level or petty dishonesty will
still exist? What about people who hire a "tax expert" to have
their income tax reduced? What about company directors who hire
in-laws to work for their firm without any procedural competitive
or merit-based selection process? What about new drivers who
bribe to obtain their licenses? What about the dishonesty some
shopkeepers promote when they ask if we want the invoice for our
company to show a higher amount? Am I the only one who has
witnessed the above practices here?

What I am trying to say is that the investigation of former
president Soeharto's wealth is a start for us, but it must be
that -- only a start.

FARID BASKORO

Jakarta