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