22 September 2008 - 05H50
Tackling corruption in Indonesia
In a country notorious for widespread corruption, the commission in charge of tackling the scourge has begun targeting high officials, sending shockwaves throughout the country's political class.
Ranked one of the most corrupt countries in the world, Indonesia is in the midst of a series of scandals involving top government officials. The biggest case concerns 50 members of parliament who stand accused of receiving bribes to help one candidate get elected to head the Central Bank.
Indonesian President Yudhoyono was elected in 2004 on the back of a strong anti-corruption stance. He founded the KPK, an independent commission intended to eradicate corruption.
Between 2004 and 2007, the much respected institution has tackled more than 500 cases. But few involved high-ranking personalities. Indonesian leaders now seem to have the political will to fight against corruption in the high spheres of power.
This addresses one of the population’s main concerns. With less than a year to go before the presidential and legislative elections can the fight against corruption succeed in the long run? If this isn’t the case, deputies and provincial governors parading in their luxurious cars are likely to remain an irritating sight in a country where poverty is steadily increasing.
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