Consistency Alone Is Not Enough

Kompas/Wawan H Prabowo

President Joko Widodo listened to the speech of the Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri while attending the National Action for Corruption Prevention (ANPK) virtually, on Wednesday (26/8/2020).

In his speech during the National Action on Corruption Prevention event at Bogor Palace on Wednesday (26/8/2020), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo highlighted the importance of consistency in the fight against corruption.

The President urged stakeholders to consistently formulate and carry out efforts to eradicate corruption. The prevention of corruption must also be supported by the firm prosecution of corruption suspects (Kompas, 27/8/2020). Consistency in the prevention and eradication of corruption has been tested during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has absorbed almost all of the nation\'s resources.

The government has allocated Rp 695.2 trillion from the state budget to cope with the impacts of the pandemic. Of the total funds, Rp 87.55 trillion has been allocated for health care and the other Rp 607.65 trillion for the National Economic Recovery (PEN) program. In the PEN program, Rp 203.9 trillion is allocated for social protection and Rp 123.46 trillion for ultramicro, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The government has also prepared an internet quota subsidy for online learning of Rp 7.2 trillion (Kompas, 24-28/8/2020).

Also read: Combating Corruption Needs Consistency

The funds prepared by the central government and regional governments in coping with the impacts of the pandemic are very large. However, on various occasions, the President has expressed his concern over the low disbursement of the funds. The public has also complained that efforts to contain the pandemic have been slow. On the other hand, there is concern that corruption will also occur in the handling of the pandemic mitigation efforts.

Data and reports show that corruption is widespread, penetrating all levels of society. Corruption remains the main enemy of this nation.

In its 2012 report, AntiCorruption Resource Center and Transparency International said corruption continued to damage the economy, resource distribution and public administration in Indonesia. Data and reports show that corruption is widespread, penetrating all levels of society. Corruption remains the main enemy of this nation.

KOMPAS/INGKI RINALDI

Researcher from Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), Kurnia Ramadhana (right) and the Head of Legal Product and Regulatory Design Division Rasamala Aritonang, on Sunday (8/9/2019) conducted a theatrical action after a discussion entitled "Corruption Eradication Emergency; Stop the Weakening of the KPK at the ICW Office, Jakarta.

In terms of consistency in fighting corruption and making it a common enemy, leaders of this country have shown their commitment for a long time, even before Indonesia\'s independence. From President Sukarno to President Jokowi, there is always an initiative taken to encourage the public to fight against corruption. Various anticorruption agencies, including the Corruption Eradication Commission and the Illegal Antilevy Task Force, were established. However, corruption remains widespread in this country.

Also read: Don’t Support Ex-Corruptors

Indeed, during the last 11 years, the value of Indonesia\'s corruption perception index has continued to improve, rising from 28 on 2009 to 34 in 2014, 37 in 2016), and 40 in 2019. However, courts tend to "consistently" punish corruption perpetrators lightly. The Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) notes that the punishment of those found guilty of corruption in Indonesia has failed to create a deterrent effect. Throughout 2019, the average sentence for perpetrators of corruption was only two years and seven months in prison. There were 54 corruption defendants who were acquitted by courts as well.

The eradication of corruption requires the integrity of state institutions, including officials. Mohammad Hatta, the proclaimer of Indonesian independence, taught that leaders must have consistency in their words and deeds. They must be honest, simple and responsible. Eradicating corruption also requires the example of the leaders of this country.