Price reduction not enough

Price reduction not enough

From Koran Tempo

The fuel and utility price hikes have triggered nationwide protests from different sectors in society, demanding the lowering of these prices and also the replacement of the national leaders. Clearly, the reduction of fuel and utility prices alone was not enough.

This issue should be settled by an integrated package of economic and political reforms, particularly in terms of the commitment to and a program for corruption elimination. Corruption should be seen as the culprit, which forces the government to demand sacrifices of the people through various price hikes to cover the budget deficit.

Meanwhile, the government has never seriously shown the political will to eradicate corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) and expose corruptors. In fact, price reductions or price suspension of price increases will not solve the problem without an open and effective anticorruption drive.

President Megawati should at the same time reshuffle her Cabinet, especially the economic ministers who have failed to put the economy in order. Besides, the judiciary should be reformed by replacing the attorney general, who not only has failed in law enforcement against corruptors but is himself also allegedly involved in KKN.

Actions should also be taken against several ex-generals involved in human rights violations, opportunist legislators and politicians, former New Order bureaucrats, oppressive employers and disguised corruptors, who are adapting themselves to current circumstances as reformers to wash their hands of their past sins.

HENDARDI, Chairman of PBHI, Jakarta