No golf, free lunch for KPK members

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Members of the newly established Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are banned from playing golf with and eating lunch at the expense of people who have the potential to create a conflict of interest with the institution.

However, other expensive-yet-exclusive sports such as fishing are excluded from the list of prohibited activities for the KPK leaders, according to KPK's code of ethics, which was made available to The Jakarta Post over the weekend.

"People consider golf an expensive and exclusive sport that is commonly used for lobbying and other acts that contravene KPK's mission," it says, apparently referring to the practice of businesspeople lobbying government officials on the golf course.

The five KPK members are still allowed to play golf though, but only with their wives, relatives or colleagues.

Taufieqqurahman Ruki, Amien Sunaryadi, Tumpak Hatorangan Panggabean, Sjahruddin Rasul and Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, who were elected to the KPK leadership last year, are also banned from "soliciting a free lunch, free transportation, free entertainment of any kind and free accommodation" from people who may create a conflict of interest with the KPK.

Exceptions are, however, made for those who invite KPK members to seminars or other discussions.

As members of an anticorruption body, they are obviously forbidden form receiving money for any activity done in public in relation to KPK function in combating corruption.

"The negative perception of accepting envelopes secretly or publicly means KPK leaders cannot accept money, even if they deserve it.

"Another reason is that KPK leaders can only be speakers at activities that are in line with KPK's mission, so it is not necessary for them to be paid a cent. The only money KPK leaders and employees deserve is their monthly salary," the code of ethics says.

Using facilities paid by the public such as cars, stationary, communication gadgets or other office equipment and receiving guests for personal interests at the office and vice versa are also prohibited.

The KPK's code of ethics requires each KPK member to shed any "emotional tie to institutions they previously worked for in a bid to maintain independence and objectivity".

Taufiq is former a police officer, Amien a private accountant, Tumpak a prosecutor, Sjahruddin a state accountant and Erry a businessman-activist.

They are also not to become close to anyone but their families, relatives and existing close friends and are required to reduce meetings in public places such as hotels, restaurants and office lobbies.

They are, of course, still allowed to go to hotels to attend wedding receptions, seminars, etc.

Another obligation, according to the KPK code of ethics, is informing other KPK members as early as possible if a suspect under KPK investigation for corruption is an acquaintance, relative, former colleague or member of any organization to which a KPK member belongs.

"KPK members who know a suspect will automatically withdraw from the investigation," it says.

Dubbed a superbody, the KPK has the authority to investigate and prosecute suspected corrupters, which is usually the sole privilege of police and prosecutors.

Many doubt, however, that the KPK will be able to reduce corruption in the country, which is said to be one of the most corrupt in the world.