Mass corruption revealed

Mass corruption revealed

From Media Indonesia

The prosecutor's office in West Sumatra has finally responded
to public complaints, which in this case were lodged by Forum
Peduli (public concern forum), a provincial non-governmental
organization. Based on the report, the speakers, vice speakers
and members of the provincial legislature and the Padang city
council were alleged to have been involved in corruption.

Meanwhile, the West Sumatra governor and Padang mayor, who
participated in deliberations on the regional budgets for 2001
and 2002, should also be examined because those executives also
had a part in budget drafting.

There is public fear that the financial plans already passed
by the regional councils were in fact so designed to guarantee
the "welfare" of councillors for having elected and appointed key
executives. Only time will tell whether such investigation will
be carried out or another scenario introduced.

The forum is thus expected to support the provincial
prosecution in handling the case thoroughly to assuage public
anxiety.

MOH AQIL ALI
Jakarta