KPK proposes that candidates endorse anti-graft document
KPK proposes that candidates endorse anti-graft document
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has proposed that
presidential and vice presidential candidates declare their
principles and policies on corruption, which would be morally
binding one they assumed power.
Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, member of the government-sanctioned
commission said candidates should put in writing their commitment
to corruption eradication, which would serve as a social
contract.
"Thus, we would have a written document, which would be proof
of their accountability," Erry said, after a discussion on the
issue at the State Palace on Thursday.
President Megawati Soekarnoputri opened the discussion, which
was attended by ministers and top ministry officials.
Megawati promised to crack down on corruption when she assumed
office in 2001, but she has proved unwilling to go after high-
profile cases involving businesspeople, politicians and military
commanders. Former president Soeharto, who was charged with
stashing millions of dollars of a foundation's money, was later
deemed unfit to face the court.
The contents of the document, Ery said, were still being
discussed. He said it should contain the candidate's willingness
to punish colleagues or party members who were corrupt.
"In every country, the president is an important figure in
leading a successful corruption eradication campaign," Erry said.
The document, he said, would not have legal consequences and
would only be morally binding. It would, however, be available
for public scrutiny.
Asked if the document could be used as court evidence should
the future president violate it, Erry said that was possible,
depending on the extent of the violation.
In her opening speech, Megawati admitted that corruption
practices were widespread in the bureaucracy, state enterprises,
private enterprises, as well as in social and political
organizations.
"We are aware that public understanding about corruption is
more extensive than contained in corruption laws," Megawati said.
"It is not wrong that people consider abusing power to get
money is an act of corruption. Using office facilities for
private interests or family is also understood as corruption,"
she added.
She acknowledged that the battle to fight corruption had been
a long and difficult one.
"As we know (corruption) has yet to completely disappear.
Various regulations and actions to fight corruption are almost as
old as our country," Megawati said.
However, Megawati questioned whether corruption had worsened
in Indonesia, citing a foreign study that named Indonesia the
second most corrupt country in the world.
She also said a claim that 30 percent of the state budget was
lost to corruption each year was based on a method that was never
clearly explained.
"They lead us to question what sort of corruption occurred in
Indonesia -- in what form -- and how (is it) that our effort to
eradicate it has not been fruitful?," Megawati said.
Erry said the corruption commission had received 177 alleged
corruption cases in the first three months of this year. The
cases were reported by the public.
"Most of the cases are difficult to follow up on," Erry said.