Indonesia's anti-corruption efforts put damper on economy By Channel NewsAsia's Bureau Chief Sujadi Siswo | Posted: 17 July 2006 1837 hrs
JAKARTA : Indonesia's efforts to stamp out corruption have had a dampening effect on the country's economy. Analysts say there has been a slowdown in major government projects, largely because civil servants fear being scrutinised by the anti-corruption agency while handling the contracts. Mr Taufiequrachman Ruki is one of the most feared civil servant in Indonesia. For the past three years, the former police officer has been the head of Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Agency. His mission is to clean up an administration infamous for graft. Indonesia has consistently held one of the lowest rankings in the annual corruption index by Transparency International. But it has been an uphill battle for Mr Taufiequrachman and his 50 graft busters. "Honestly, the public has very little trust for authorities. That includes the religious authority, government and the political authority," said Taufiequrachman Ruki, head of Indonesian Anti-Corruption Commission. Ever since President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono took office in 2004 on the back of a promise to combat corruption, the commission has exposed more than 70 major cases of graft among public officials, including the former governor of Aceh, a former minister for religious affairs, top election officials and several top bankers. Even the judiciary and police force were not spared. Several judges were indicted for accepting bribes and several senior police investigators have been sent to jail. But it's still not enough for Mr Adnan Buyung Nasution, who helped set up the anti-corruption agency and pick Mr Taufiequrachman. Mr Adnan thinks the President is still protecting the ruling elite. "In my opinion he shouldn't have such weaknesses. He should show to the people that once he said he will fight against corruption, he will do it without any mercy to anyone, even his friends, members of the families and whoever close to him," said legal expert Adnan Buyung Nasution. But Mr Taufiequrachman says the agency picks and chooses cases to ensure convictions. "We will lose credibility and public trust we built if our case is being dismissed in court. Therefore we must make sure there's enough evidence for every person that we bring to justice," said Taufiequrachman Ruki. Indonesia's anti-corruption agency is hoping its efforts will help the country climb at least 80 places in the international corruption perception index by next year. This would bring Indonesia in line with Thailand's current position. But observers say this is an ambitious target and will only be possible if the President recruits more good people to continue the fight against corruption. "He does have several good people but they are scattered in different institutions. For instance, he has some good people in the attorney-general's office, some in the police force, in the courts and others. But it is not a comprehensive group of people," said Adnan Buyung Nasution. Experts say the next step is to assemble this team of honest officials and draw up a comprehensive plan to eradicate graft, which might involve paying civil servants better. - CNA /ls http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/219683/1/.html Post message: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe : [EMAIL PROTECTED] List owner : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Homepage : http://proletar.8m.com/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proletar/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
