Issues: 2012: SBY’s final chance to curb corruption

Dec. 30, p. 6

The New Year is approaching. As it is less than one week away, this is a great time to review and reflect on the previous year while preparing for the year to come.

It is motivating to reflect on the accomplishments of the previous year, review our challenges and outcomes and prepare for the year to come with a new set of goals. A failure to review the past will likely lead us to fall into the same holes over and over again in the future.

The fight against bribery and corruption has been the watchword this year, which has witnessed a great number of corruption scandals involving high-ranking officials, lawmakers, judges and prosecutors.

Muhammad Nazaruddin’s alleged involvement in the SEA Games sports facility construction scandal, the case of convicted Central Jakarta Commercial Court judge Syarifudin Umar, the arrest of prosecutor Sistoyo at the Cibinong Prosecutor’s Office, to mention just a few cases, suggest that corruption is really an everyday occurrence for the Indonesian public.

This might backfire for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2012. Yudhoyono must use 2012 as his final chance to curb corruption and restore the public trust. (By Donny Syofyan, Padang)

Tough job ahead: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (center) talks to leaders of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Bambang Widjojanto (left), Zulkarnaen (second left), Abraham Samad (third left), Busyro Muqoddas (second right), Adnan Pandupraja (right) and Vice President Boediono (third right) after the inauguration of the KPK leaders at the State Palace on Dec. 16, 2011. JP/Ricky Yudhistira

Your comments:

Forget it. SBY has been in the State Palace for seven years, and he’s got little to show for combating corruption.

If he were serious about it, he would have done something a long time ago.

Mauricio

Corruption is the culture here. It is very difficult to get rid of it.

Erfaan

Corruption happens throughout the world; remember the Bernard Madoff investment scandal?

The Nigerian scheme? The people need to know one thing, if something is too good, maybe it is too good to be true.

I believe you can start filing reports with the police, then to the financial ombudsman or finance ministry.

Klen

All the best SBY, and to all Indonesians.

Edwin

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) does a lot better courtesy of Transparency International

Zul

Corruption can be curbed in one year?

Hehehe, not in Indonesia.

This is the best time to give an opportunity to a non-Javanese to become president.

Loli

It’s not the sole responsibility of SBY.

All Indonesians must use their own initiatives to curb corruption.

Swan

I think more corruption will occur in the lead-up toward elections.

Paul Scheiner

Move the capital city outside Jakarta and we can start a new book from there.

Suherman

Learn from your neighboring countries on how to curb corruption!

James

You can do it Indonesia!

Kiki

Wishes for a “cleaner” Indonesia.

Rose

Tough job to do, but all the best to you..

Perry

All the best SBY, I trust you can do it.

Lina

Better late then never. Happy New Year everyone.

Suleiman