Long-term antigraft movement needed

Long-term antigraft movement needed

From Republika

The eradication of corruption is not easy, takes a long time and demands continuous effort. Patience and consistency are therefore required in this antigraft undertaking.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono should avoid any half- hearted operations because some state agencies where corruption is well known have remained untouched. Major sources of corruption are the directorate generals of taxation, of customs and excise, and the National Police.

The President should also conduct this movement without discrimination to create clean and transparent public administration. His comprehensive perception of corruption should not be hampered by considerations of political risks.

Meanwhile, the public should not pin too high hopes on short- term corruption elimination. In this context, the government needs to consistently and realistically carry out long-term and sustainable antigraft campaigns.

No less important are corruption prevention and system improvements. A broad-spectrum bureaucratic reform is needed, involving not only personnel replacement but also system renewal, while making the movement a common one with popular support.

SANTI PUJI RAHAYU Jakarta