KKN must cease to exist

KKN must cease to exist

From Bisnis Indonesia

The campaigns by presidential and vice presidential candidates claiming the introduction of various improvements to the country will not be meaningful without serious attempts to eradicate corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN).

Speaking at a seminar entitled, "KKN: Root of all national problems" (Bisnis Indonesia, Aug. 25), Kwik Kian Gie (state minister of development planning) stated that presidential candidates Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Megawati Soekarnoputri should reveal their detailed action plans.

The plans are expected at least to reduce practices of KKN, and if KKN continues to take place, those found guilty "must be subjected to severe punishment, such as the death penalty."

I agree with the proposal and as part of the plan, a presidential decree can be issued to determine the exact date on which all forms of KKN must cease to exist in all sectors and among all groups, civilian and military.

Starting from a fixed date, those proven to be involved in KKN, in addition to being severely punished, must have their wealth seized to be put under state control. Audit verification should be done by a special body, for which bank secrecy in KKN cases should be waived.

Meanwhile, the family members of KKN convicts who still pursue their studies should have their educational costs borne by the state, pursuant to article 43 of the 1945 Constitution stipulating that children constitute a future asset of the state.

JUSAK PRASETYO Semarang