Wiping out corruption

Wiping out corruption

It takes real courage to talk openly about corruption, as Soegih Arto clearly analyzed in The Jakarta Post of Jan. 15. In his well thought-out letter, Soegih Arto describes that corruption still occurs in developed countries, where democracy and free press prevail.

The method of eliminating corruption has not failed, but law enforcing agencies are not able to implement or accomplish their task. A free press can only help expose corrupt people, but nothing will come out of it until lawful and appropriate measures are taken against the wrongdoers. Unfortunately, the government does not take the necessary measures against officials suspected of misconduct or being involved in corrupt practices. It seems the government adheres to the principle: Let bygones be bygones.

We cannot justify this lenient approach. Then how can we possibly stop corruption? Will the government grow the political will to stop granting privileges to certain groups? Don't we all realize that there are still a lot of people who live under the poverty line?

Wiping out poverty is also a huge task. The government should therefore rule that people suspected of corruption participate in the poverty eradicating program.

ALOYSIUS HARYONO

Jakarta