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