Five Steps to Eradicate Corruption

Former Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Amien Sunaryadi, claimed that the Government of Indonesia must implement five steps to eradicate corruption if they wish to be taken seriously in their effort to combat corruption. This statement was made at a seminar on corruption-free bureaucracy, held at Paramadina University, Jakarta, yesterday.

“Indonesia will only be taken seriously in eradicating corruption if these five steps are undertaken,” he concluded.

The five steps according to Amien are: firstly to prepare a national grand corruption eradication scheme. Secondly, have a strong House of Representatives (DPR). “The DPR are a vital element in corruption eradication in Indonesia. In fact, after the amendment to the constitution of the DPR they gained an even stronger influence,” he said.

Thirdly, the Supreme Court and the judicial system must be strengthened. This, he said, requires development not only of the system, but also the infrastructure.

Then, a strong anti-corruption agency is required. Finally Amien hopes that Indonesia can catch the big fish corruptors.

Amien also used this opportunity to consider recurring corrupt practices throughout Indonesian history. He reiterated the necessity of key players learning from history to eradicate corruption in Indonesia.

“Corruption cases have been documented since the 1950s. One example of recurring corruption is in the 1955 elections (where 175 parties contested in a show of democracy considered equal to recent elections) and the 2004 elections. One year after both elections were held, it was discovered that corruption had occurred when funds were distributed to purchase election materials and facilities.” he said.

Source: Media Indonesia, 12 November 2008