'Many big corrupters are untouchable'

'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