Erwida Maulia, Jakarta – Compared to the executive and legislative branches of power, the judiciary is less cooperative when it comes to reporting wealth, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) says.

KPK deputy chairman Moch. Jasin said while most officials in other state institutions had reported their wealth, only 10,462 or 66 percent of 15,771 judges had so far complied with the requirement to declare their assets.

"Asking for wealth reports from officials in the judiciary institution remains difficult," Jasin said.

He said officials from executive and legislative institutions, as well as from state enterprises, were more cooperative in reporting their wealth.

About 86 percent of executive officials, 96 percent of legislative officials and 92 percent of state enterprise executives have submitted their wealth reports to the KPK.

The KPK has required 91,184 state officials to declare their wealth this year, with 85 percent of them complying with the order.

"However, this is not always a good indication of the corruption eradication in the country, as many officials having excessive wealth are no longer ashamed of showing their wealth," said Jasin.

The number of state officials reporting their wealth has increased each year, KPK deputy chief of corruption prevention Haryono Usman told a media conference to announce state officials' wealth reports.

In 2005, 70 percent of state officials reported their wealth. In 2006, the number increased to 86 percent. By 2007 it has gone up to 97 percent.

Present in the press conference were minister of communication and information Mohammad Nuh and former minister of state-owned enterprises M. Sugiharto. The KPK announced the wealth of both the public figures.

According to the KPK, as of July 9, 2007, Nuh's fortune was worth Rp 1.88 billion (US$200,000), with an additional $6000. Sugiharto reported his wealth amounted to Rp 23.53 billion plus $300,963. But at the completion of his service last year, Sugiharto's assets fell by Rp 10 billion.

The mandatory wealth report for state officials is part of corruption eradication measures.

State officials have two months to report their wealth after their inauguration and three months after they have relinquished their posts.

The KPK will verify the reports, taking advantage of public reports, lifestyle checks, wealth and income analysis and comparative analysis. (anw)