Mar'ie the right man for BPK

I once worked in an auditing office with the government and have knowledge on how the state's various audit institutes operate. They are at provincial level and at ministry level. There are state audit agencies at the central level and in all provinces. They are so numerous that they are often ineffective.

The state audit agency (BPK) clearly needs a competent chief. After Koenarto's withdrawal from the candidacy, the choice should be between Mar'ie Muhammad and Zacky Baridwan. Then, another candidate emerged: Satrio B. Joedono.

I do not know Joedono personally but respect him as a clean minister of trade in the former Cabinet. It is a pity that his personal relationship with Habibie is too close.

The demand for independence is absolute for leading the agency. Furthermore, the "jungle" condition at the agency is something he may not know about.

If Joedono has the capabilities for the job, he will still need a lot of time to learn. Five to seven years are needed to become a government accountant. Another aspect is that without knowledge, the incumbent will be an easy target for deception by his subordinates, who are all aces in accountancy and experts in corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN).

Neither do I know Mar'ie Muhammad personally, but I have respected him since he was director general of taxes, a position that for others could easily lead to KKN practices. He has no close relationship with Habibie. He is an accountant graduated from the University of Indonesia, a former director general of taxes and a former minister of finance.

With such a wealth of experience, he is the right man in the right place to lead the BPK. Mar'ie Muhammad does not need time to study. It will not be possible for his staff to deceive him. The target to establish a clean government will be attained in no time.

BAMBANG SI

Jakarta