President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Thursday the country should not be content with its achievements in tackling corruption, and should strive to do more.
Yudhoyono was speaking at a ceremony at the State Palace to mark the launch of the UNDP's 2008 Asia-Pacific human development report. He said he had studied the report and found Indonesia had made some progress.
"There are improvements, such as in the World Bank Control Corruption Index and the Corruption Perception Index. But we are not yet satisfied. We still have to do more," Yudhoyono said.
"I think we are able to accomplish more. I can say Indonesia has won many battles in combating corruption, but we haven't won the war yet," he said.
"I believe there will be a day when Indonesia finally will achieve victory, tactically and strategically. We will win the war, not only the battle."
Over 100 public officials, including governors, regents and former ministers, have been jailed for corruption since Yudhoyono took office in 2004.
He said he agreed with the report's findings that corruption affected social welfare and hampered human development.
"That is why Indonesia is very serious in the prevention and eradication of corruption. I hope we can cooperate with the UNDP and other countries on this matter," he said.
The report was presented to the President by UN assistant secretary-general and director of bureau for development policy, Olav Kjorven, who praised Yudhoyono for guiding Indonesia to the vanguard of Asia-Pacific countries in tackling corruption.
"Thanks to your leadership, Indonesia is today in the forefront in the fight against corruption. You are showing that it is possible to fight and win the battle. Indonesia has ensured the importance of leadership," he said.
Efforts to fight corruption in the country intensified in 2004, following a presidential decree, a national plan on corruption eradication and the establishment of an independent anticorruption commission, he said.
The report, aimed at providing suggestions for other Asia-Pacific governments to tackle corruption, said the practice had restricted people's access to several critical sectors, including education and health.
"The report emphasizes the fact development is ultimately about expanding access for people to live the life they value. We are now facing a global food crisis that has hit the most vulnerable people. There are many reasons for this crisis, but one thing that's certain is corruption is making the situation worse," Kjorven said.
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