Letter: We have to support the KPK

If House of Representatives Speaker Marzuki Alie can prove that the independent Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is ineffective in fighting systemic corruption, he should offer a superior alternative approach or strategy.

The support by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the KPK is right, as demonstrated by the KPK successful performance record. Fighting corruption is a continuous process even in advanced and rich nations, and for Indonesia, if the KPK has proven to be effective (despite questionable blips such as the alleged clandestine meetings with Nazarrudin; and conviction of Antasari for organizing a murder, etc.) then it deserves continued undiminished support.

Meanwhile, it is imperative that every government ministry embark upon a total and radical systematic review of its operation at every administrative level, and put in place effective internal controls that include effective and transparent disciplinary procedures.

While the KPK is imprisoning the corrupt, the current government systems that entice and seduce otherwise honorable men and women to become lawbreakers, must be fixed simultaneously.

James Waworoendeng
California