President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono confirmed Tuesday he would allow the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to authorize wiretapping in investigating extraordinary crimes, as part of his mission to combat corruption.
"I agree with wiretapping conducted by the authorities although such activities have to be regulated so it is used solely with the aim of fighting corruption," he said in a televised address Tuesday evening on the eve of the International Anti-Corruption Day.
He also claimed he disagreed with regulations that restricted the KPK's authority in using wiretaps.
Yudhoyono added he also did not agree with efforts to strip the KPK of its power to prosecute, which have come up in the deliberation of the corruption court bill.
Claiming to have started anti-corruption drives since becoming President, Yudhoyono said he would work to create a zero-tolerance attitude to corruption in Indonesia.
"We should not tolerate corruption in Indonesia," he said.
"I have assigned a special task force to eradicate the court mafia that will work for the next two years. It will carry out thorough investigations and is aimed at eradicating corrupt practices in the country's judiciary."
He said the government would continue to reform the judiciary.
He also warned of the existence of other groups who might oppose the government's efforts at combating corruption and would try to impede them.
Yudhoyono urged the public to celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day peacefully, saying he would allow non-violent rallies to take place.
He told the public to block the way for certain groups looking to "stall any action against corruption".
Yudhoyono warned Sunday that certain people would take advantage of the rally to oust him.
He added his priority in the next five years would be the reforming of the National Police, the Attorney General's Office and the KPK.
"I will monitor and evaluate their performances myself," he said.
He said any efforts to combat corruption would necessarily involve many institutions and the public.
Yudhoyono also underlined the importance of the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) in providing protection to people witnessing corrupt practices.
"The agency will guarantee the security of witnesses and victims, who won't be charged if they come forward with information on corrupt practices," he said.
Yudhoyono also supported the House of Representatives' inquiry committee investigating the Rp 6.76 trillion (US$718 million) Bank Century bailout.
He called on the Supreme Audit Agency, the Financial Transaction Analysis and Report Center and the Deposit Insurance Corporation to work together to solve the debacle.
He said he would work towards better anticorruption regulations in the country, as his administration had ratified the United Nations Conventions Against Corruption and deliberated the Ombudsman Law, Public Information Law, Public Services Law and Anti-Corruption Court Law with the House.
He also said he would work toward the issuance of regulations on asset recovery to secure money lost through corrupt practices. (nia)
| 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|