Money under the mattresses

The government, apparently, still prefers to keep its money under institutional mattresses. We are talking here about money that is not recorded on the exchequer balance sheet. And this has been going on for years.

But now, this money, better known as non-budgetary funds, must be taken out from under all the mattresses and handed over to the treasury in accordance with Law No. 20 of 1997 on non-tax state revenues, a law that was passed during the Soeharto era.

These off-balance sheet funds have for too long been prone to corruption and money politics, vices that are likely to prove highly tempting given that the current government is a coalition of many parties.

Party members occupy ministerial positions and obviously have an interest in collecting funds in the run-up to the 2004 election.

Therefore, the public must exert intensive pressure on the authorities to make sure such funds are managed more transparent. Control should be strengthened, including as regards the behavior of House members.

Because, don't forget, they are also party members who have private interests, including the desire to enrich themselves.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta