Jakarta – State institutions reconfirmed their commitment to fighting corruption through internal investigations, monitoring and bureaucracy reform before the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
At least 14 state bodies presented performance reports in combating corruption and improving the accountability of their organizations throughout this year on the first day of a KPK general national conference on Tuesday.
Home Minister Mardiyanto said no attempt would be made to hinder any investigation of ministry officials. "We will consider all public reports and respect the presumption of innocence. Those who are proven guilty will be punished, beginning with warnings," he said.
Mustafa Abu Bakar, Director of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), promised reorganization of the agency and that employees would pledge in writing to turn down corruption opportunities.
"At our 40th anniversary we have transformed to a new management in order to build trust with the public and government," he said. "And we're offering spiritual lectures for employees to prevent corruption and refresh spirits," Abu Bakar added.
Ramli Ibrahim, the supervisory deputy of the Aceh and Nias Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR), said his agency had won international trust by achieving 89 percent of commitments which he did not specify.
"Some 63 percent of the reconstruction budget is from NGOs and international donations. Now we are working on building 100,000 houses, which will be finished in April 2008. Some 800 kilometers of infrastructure have been repaired, including streets, airports and harbors. BRR will complete its duties in 2009."
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Indonesia Miranda S. Goeltom reported a disciplined attitude at the Central Bank among employees and regulations to increase integrity and good governance.
According to her, in a BI-KPK feasibility study, a comprehensive customer data system for providing fast, accurate information was under consideration. "We give free access to customer data to the commission and PPATK (Analysis and Reporting Financial Transaction Center) for investigation purposes," she said.
Taufiequrrahman Ruki, the commission chairman, said the public needed to be told about the transparency and accountability of state institutions.
"The hardest part is to change the attitude. Because corruption is an attitude," he said.
"In state institutions, misuse of authority in the procurement of equipment and services is a form of corruption. While in the legal institutions, bribes and extortion are corruption," he added.
"We received 5,592 reports from the public about corruption in state agencies. And we saved around Rp 119 billion (US$12.8 million) from the state budget through our performance this year," Tumpak Hatorangan Panggabean, commission deputy, said during the conference. (rff)