‘At least Rp75 ml in bribes to become a civil servant in Jakarta’: vice governor hopeful

Ahmad Riza Patria, who partnered with retired army general Maj. Gen (ret) Hendardji Soepandji for this year’s Jakarta gubernatorial elections, unveiled that the corrupt practices within the local administration had been so rampant one would need to pay at least Rp 75 million (US$ 7,890) in bribes to become a civil servant.

Riza, who is running for the vice governor’s seat, said the testimony was solid as it was coming from his family who had applied for a staff post in the local administration office.

“I have a sister-in-law who applied to become a civil servant in the Jakarta administration. Her cleverness is beyond doubt, yet, strangely, she did not pass the test,” he said.

“Why? For me it is certain that she failed the test because [she refused to pay] the money.”

The ticket for Riza and Hendardji is coming from an independent lane, meaning the ticket hasn’t pocketed any support from political parties on the governor bid. In addition to the ticket for Riza and Hendardji, the Faisal Basri and Biem Benyamin pair are also running as independents. (sat/dic)