Alvin Darlanika Soedarjo, Jakarta – A study on corruption in Indonesia has found that although the government's political will to fight the crime is increasing, it still lacks the authority to implement anti-graft programs.
As of mid-2006, the anti-corruption track records of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's government and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) were positive in some respects, but disappointing in others, according to the study's authors.
"There has been progress with political will. Unfortunately, if the gain is not sustainable, then fighting corruption will not be effective," independent researcher David G. Timberman said Thursday.
Timberman co-wrote "Curbing Corruption in Indonesia 2004-2006: A Survey of National Policies and Approaches" with Soren Davidson and Vishnu Juwono, with the support of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
He said the government's political will had yet to be matched by the ability – a function of authority, knowledge competency and resources – to push through reform in various sectors.
"Progress is still needed in many different areas, such as in prosecution, education and investigation," Timberman said. He added that the National Police and Attorney General's Office had to be reformed as part of these reforms.
The study suggested the government continue increasing the number and quality of its audits, both at the national and regional levels.
According to the study, the Corruption Eradication Commission has also been less than successful in promoting preventive reforms, despite its success in investigations and prosecutions. "The government has to have the right mix of incentives and sanctions to corruption," Timberman said.
Presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng, who spoke during the report launch, said combating graft was difficult because it had become so ingrained in the bureaucracy. "We do have the political will, but graft has been hard to overcome because there are far too many 'dirty spots' in the country," Andi said.
He said the KPK was free to investigate all state officials. "There is no such thing as 'selecting' the suspects." "This report is optimistic. However, attendees and comments during a discussion like this are always pessimistic," Andi said.
Teten Masduki, chairman of Indonesian Corruption Watch, said it appeared to him some state officials were off-limits when it came to graft investigations. "We haven't seen any high officials from the economic sector, such as from banking or customs offices, being investigated," he said.
Teten added that one reason fighting corruption was so difficult was because the President always made decisions based on political calculations. "The President has to establish a coalition (to fight graft) that is directly responsible to him. This coalition should also involve civilians," he said.
He added that the KPK needed to work in phases, focusing on one institution before moving on to the next. "For example, the agency should focus on investigating the police first. After they are done, then they can move on and investigate other institutions."