Megawati's speech

Megawati's speech

From Gamma

President Megawati's recent speech at the commemoration of the 73rd Youth Pledge Day in Cibubur, East Jakarta, which reiterated her call for the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN), indicated her determination to fight KKN in line with Decree No.XI/1998 of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

With her authority, the President should be able to eradicate KKN practices, instead of merely calling on the public, including the youth, to fight KKN.

The deeply rooted KKN practices in Indonesia are the heritage of the New Order government under Soeharto's unchecked and authoritarian leadership for over three decades. Soeharto's leadership structure resulted in a corrupt economic and political system in almost all sectors. Megawati must take a firm, definite and consistent attitude and make steps to persuade the public to cut relations with the New Order group.

The clear parameter of Megawati's leadership in the eradication of KKN can be seen from the ability of her administration to bring former officials of the New Order government and tycoons to court for trial and from her courage to clean her Cabinet and administration from New Order elements.

In view of the political reality in Indonesia today, it seems to be difficult for Megawati to carry out that mission, because Megawati, like her predecessor Abdurrahman Wahid, has won the presidency thanks to political compromise between the reformists and the status quo. It was not a result of the struggle of the reformist group and political parties.

The political conspiracy, which enabled Megawati and Wahid to come to power, has been dominated by the New Order's power. Thus, the New Order's resistance and political bargaining power continues to hamper the eradication of KKN.

HENDARDI

Chairman of PBHI

Jakarta

Jakarta