Public support to fight graft

Public support to fight graft

From Republika

The eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) is
a reform agenda outlined by the People's Consultative Assembly,
but until the most recent government before President Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono came to power, it was a complete failure as
graft remains commonplace.

KKN has now spread throughout the country and within all
levels of the public administration. Unless there is a
breakthrough, the nation will eventually plunge into ruin.

Former development planning minister Kwik Kian Gie has
estimated that the embezzlement of state assets has amounted to
Rp 305.5 trillion a year. The amount is roughly derived from 2003
state budget and taxation misappropriation totaling Rp 215
trillion, besides losses through poaching, sand smuggling and
illegal logging.

It requires courage and stern action by the ruling government
to fight such practices. The public has placed its hopes in
President Susilo, who has pledged to support antigraft moves
launched by authorized institutions.

The government of course needs the support of all elements in
society in the endeavor, including the legislature. In this way,
the government will have no doubt and fear in facing big-shot
embezzlers.

YUNINTO S.
Jakarta