NGOs against naming of corrupt officials

NGOs against naming of corrupt officials

JAKARTA (JP): Executives of two non-governmental organizations
said that a city counselor's proposal to publish the names of
corrupt city officials in the mass media would not be effective.

Rita Serena Kolibonso, chief of the criminal division of the
Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), said the proposal is not
only ineffective but also violates the "presumption of innocence"
principle.

"I believe that we should use a legal approach to handle this
matter and since their conduct could be classified as a crime
then the city administration could press charges against them,"
she said over the weekend, adding that the press could then cover
the trials without violating anyone's legal rights.

Rita was commenting on a proposal from councilor Mahmud S.
Chaniago of the Indonesian Democratic Party faction who suggested
that the city administration announce the names of corrupt
officials in the mass media. The announcement, said Mahmud, will
show people that the administration is doing its best to fight
corruption.

Rita's objection was supported by Zoemrotin K. Susilo,
chairperson of the Indonesian Consumers Organization.

"We have already seen how that plan works. Even if they
broadcast those names on a nationwide TV program, corruption
remains," she said.

Zoemrotin said, however, that the plan might work if the city
started by announcing the names of those involved in big cases
before proceeding with the smaller ones.

"It is useless if they start with the smaller cases," she
said.

Rita shared her view, stating that the city must first deal
with corruption in upper level management.

Corruption has become deep rooted in the city administration
and people seem to have accepted the condition as part of its
operation. Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has repeatedly warned
officials about the crime since his appointment in 1992.

Many blame the problem on the low wages municipal employees
receive, but Zoemrotin said that the crime is also committed by
rich employees.

"I think a person's morals is the issue here," she said.

On Friday Surjadi said that people should not hesitate to
report to him any city officials who are abusing their power or
collecting illegal levies for public services and that he would
deal with them.

The reports, Surjadi added, must be supported by clear cut
evidence proving that officials are guilty of the charges.

Rita believes that tighter controls should be immediately
established because recent corruption cases clearly illustrate
that the existing Waskat built in control system has failed.

"They must reevaluate the Waskat system to eliminate
corruption," she said.

Zoemrotin said that the only solution to reduce corruption is
to encourage municipal employees to be more responsible.

"Instead of making themselves richer, they should use their
position to provide the best services for the public," she said.
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