KKN is like a virus
There is a lot of talk on corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN). In the latest government budget, the President gave his views on the causes of KKN in the government. A lack of supervision, inadequate remuneration and an excessive number of personnel seem to be the main causes of KKN. A more effective supervision, a better system of salary and better recruitment of personnel hand in hand with an improvement of accountability and transparency should cure the evils of KKN.
Like always, it is repeated that law and legislation should be improved and, last but not least, its implementation with independent judges. The latest remarks made by Minister of Finance Bambang Sudibyo in The Jakarta Post on Jan. 27, 2000, in the article titled Govt assesses "power" to nail corrupt tycoons) put, however, these intentions in a completely different light. He wonders whether the "real" power is with the government or with those very people at the origin of all the present ills. He reckoned that the New Order regime was still more powerful than the present government and administration, because many from the Old Order still have money, weapons and experience.
How depressing indeed! But could we not consider KKN as an illness, a virus that we would like to eradicate? There are different solutions to its eradication depending on its origin, nature and spread. You don't fight cholera, a pest or gangrenous disease in the same way. Likewise, you would not fight KKN in all areas and situations in the same way. You analyze its origins, characteristics, causes and effects. Who is immune to it and why?
As with many illnesses, one gets often demoralized by noting its spread and effects. But most of the time cures are found by creating an environment or area free of the disease. Start by creating KKN free zones. Cut them off from KKN-infected persons. Take quick and radical action as soon as you discover one infected in those areas. (Did you read about the "zero tolerance policy" that helped reduce the crime rate in New York?) Don't start with the most difficult, sensitive areas. Take the soundest and easiest to cure sectors first. Build gradually on the success of each one. Be patient but systematic. In 1983 the government decided to clean up customs. They called on the private firm SGS to temporarily replace the custom's office for several of their operations. Thousands of redundant government employees were told to stay home. If that operation was a success, why not repeat it? As was argued at that time, it is better to continue to pay the salary of government officials to stay home rather than have them wandering around looking for "tea money", falsifying documents and creating even more losses to the state. In the same light, I don't have any problem seeing government officials receiving salaries comparable to those given in the private sector as long as they are equally responsible and accountable for their actions. These are only ideas that have come to mind. What concrete strategies and action plans are the government developing? Could we read more about them?
PHILIPPE LYSSENS
Jakarta