The revelation of the tax evasion case involving tax officer Gayus Tambunan by Comr. Gen. Susno Duadji shortly before he left his position as chief detective at the National Police has made people believe that he is a hero in helping to eradicate police corruption. Yet, many also consider that Susno is no more than an opportunist. Critics argue that moves to investigate similar cases should be taken immediately, and not just to focus on case brokers mentioned by Susno. Send us your opinion about the best way to eradicate corruption in law enforcement bodies.
To stamp out graft is urgent, but it takes time
Made Abigail Sutika
International Relations Department
Parahyangan Catholic University
Although what Susno Duadji has done in highlighting a tax evasion case was a good move, I still think it is all just a political game. And in politics, it is very hard to know who is the good guy or the bad guy.
However, I believe that what he did was only mean't to be in his own interest, whether on his own or together with others. I can say that because I don't see any firm decisions being taken on this case.
It is going nowhere. No significant progress has been made in completing this one corruption case.
We must realize that there is an urgent need to eradicate corruption in law enforcement bodies. They are the ones who have the authority to investigate people, they are the ones who have the power to maintain public order, yet they are corrupt. Then how can we trust them?
We already have one good body whose task is to eradicate corruption, the KPK. We should just let them do their job, and urge them to be fully committed to their core tasks. There is no need to set up new bodies.
Corruption is a deep-rooted problem in our country, and I don't think it is easy to root it out completely in a flash. It can't be solved easily or fast. What we need is committed and continuous action.
Don't rely only on Susno
Rommy Kharisma Karindon
Jenderal Soedirman University
I question myself, what would happen if Susno Duadji was still in his position as chief detective at the National Police? Would he reveal tax evasion case involving tax officer Gayus Tambunan?
I will not hurl bad prejudice toward Susno that he utilized chance after his dethronement. However, we need other solutions to eradicate corruption. What I mean we should not rely only on Susno who is currently active revealing the allegations of corruption case.
Firstly, there must be other solutions to reveal the allegations of corruption case in law enforcement bodies. I will not talk about abstract solutions such as there must be empowerment by Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and something like that like figure of speech.
What I want to talk is about concrete solutions. One of those is wiretapping freedom that can be done by KPK. I say that it is justifiable. Why? In my opinion, corruption cases have become like extraordinary crimes in which those are planned well. I say that it is justifiable to eradicate extraordinary things with treatments that are also extraordinary.
Secondly, there must be something that can stop people from committing corruption. For instance, it can be in the form of heavier punishment. I do not say that we must implement death penalty against corruptors. They can be threatened by lifetime imprisonment without parole. Even if they are still brave in doing corruption, once their case is revealed, heavier punishment has been waiting.
Next topic:
Good news is that we no longer have to pay the 10 percent value added tax charged to our bill by the cafes or restaurants where we used to hang out. The government adopted Law No. 42/2009 on Value Added Tax and Sales Tax on Luxury Goods last year that states it would take effect beginning April 1 this year. However, the owner of eateries believed they still have the right to charge the VAT because the government had not issued a government regulation detailing the implementation of the law.
Whatever your position is, send us your opinion in 350 words whether a government regulation is needed when the law has stated it clearly. The best responses will be published on June 20.
