No golf, free lunch for KPK members
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.