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.