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