I am perplexed as to why Indonesia, a land bestowed with abundant natural and human resources, can be so backwards in terms of development.

In addition to that, such a great country should not have such an unfavorable level of poverty. All these hindrances boil down to corruption. What the Indonesian government should do is to nip the problem in the bud.

There are two ways to do this: Capture and punish all those who commit or cajole corruption in anyway and educate the young about "Corruption".

If people do not stop immediately, they will never stop at all as people will be trapped or addicted to corruption's vicious cycle. Reward those who halt or prevent corruption and punish those who encourage and practice corrupt acts.

It is very sad to see such a wonderful and majestic country rich with so much history and cultural diversity fall victim to corruption in such a disgraceful way. KING CRIPPLER

Singapore

It seems to me the only way Indonesia can drastically reduce corrupt practices amongst government officials is by naming and shaming those caught with the hand in the till.

The media should start publishing the names of these officials. These shameless cheats must be ranked from the worst to the least greedy.

Their photographs, position, the amount they stole and the punishment handed down by the court should be displayed for all to see. I'm reasonably certain that such a strategy will bring positive results. PAUL E. RANTAU

Singapore

Paul Rantau proposes naming and shaming. The naming part would be a valuable way of informing the community of the extent of corrupt politicians and officials.

As for the shaming, I think that in most Indonesian subcultures shaming will not occur; having seen the response of some corrupt officials being publicly identified, within their circle of friends it seems to generate little more than some joking and laughter -- no shame at all.

Publishing names, photographs, and sanctions of corrupt officials might help galvanize community agitation for reform. Until there is some systematic fundamental reform in the civil service and there is a more accountable and democratic way of selecting members for parliament (stop the "buying" of seats), such as direct election, Indonesia I feel is doomed to ongoing chronic corruption.

Neither of these two groups -- bureaucrats and politicians -- is likely to initiate major self-reform; that will only come from a President (top down) or from the grassroots community (bottom up). Ask our Presidential candidates what their policy and priority will be for eradication of corruption. NAIRDAH

Jakarta

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