'Many big corrupters are untouchable'

Judges at the Central Jakarta District Court sentenced Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh to 10 years in jail last week, while the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested General Elections Commission member Mulyana W. Kusuma for alleged bribery. Are law enforcers now serious about fighting rampant corruption, which has been blamed for pushing the country's economy to the brink of bankruptcy? The Jakarta Post interviewed some Jakarta residents on the issue.

Rosdiana, 34, is an employee at a cargo company in North Jakarta. She lives with her husband in Puri Gading housing complex in East Jakarta.

The government shouldn't stop its efforts to combat corruption with the arrest of Mulyana or the verdict of Abdullah Puteh as many other high-profile pillagers remain untouchable. I think it remains to be seen whether they are just trying to buy public's heart or really want to punish those that are corrupt.

For me, as long as they can't eradicate corruption in government agencies, including tax offices, courts, customs or even schools, anticorruption campaigns will just be empty words.

Clean government is the first step toward eradicating corruption in this country as it will set an example for other sectors.

Besides, I am afraid that the arrest of Mulyana was politically motivated, and it is too soon to conclude that the arrest has answered our long overdue demand for a clean government.

Rojak, 45, is an owner of a small printing company and computer rental shop in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. He lives with his wife and three children in Manggarai, also in South Jakarta.

I believe that Mulyana's bribery case is only the tip of the iceberg. Many other big corruption scandals in government agencies and the private sector remain untouched. I think other KPU members should also be questioned as soon as possible.

I am afraid that our law enforcers, including the KPK, do not have the courage or will to reveal bigger scandals.

I call on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to order the KPK members to arrest other KPU members if they find sufficient evidence of corruption.

Also, Mulyana's arrest should not be used as a means to divert the attention of the public from increases in fuel prices and other basic commodities.

The Jakarta Post