Issues of the day: Hartati jumps before she is pushed

Paper Edition | Page: 8

Aug. 14, p. 1

Business tycoon and religious leader Hartati Murdaya avoided more humiliation at the hands of her comrades in the Democratic Party and colleagues in a presidential advisory group by announcing her resignation just before being axed from the two organizations.

The suspect in a bribery scandal tendered her resignation both from the Democratic Party’s board of patrons and the National Economic Committee (KEN) on Monday, arguing that she was already preoccupied with preparations for her trial.

Your comments:

Most Indonesians are corrupt. Hartati is only unfortunate. The authorities have to show that they are making an effort to stop corruption. Now we will see how things will develop and how they will end.

Hartati looks very confident. She may be found guilty, but her prison doors will remain open so she can spend her time at home, but away from public eyes. Hartati is happy now. She will show her power.

Listiani Lestari
Jakarta

Hartati was a cash cow of her political party in return for favors.

Perhaps she is now looking for greener pastures.

Henry Manoe

Bribery is very common in Indonesia to get thing done. Therefore, many “politicians” want positions to enrich themselves by collecting bribes: No bribe, no business.

Lenient punishment for corrupt officials is the reason why corruption has bloomed restlessly.

This year has been a significant. People may see it as a turning point in the nation’s fight to free itself of corruption.

Widya

When are President Yudhoyono, Ani Yudhoyono, “Ibas” Yudhoyono, Anas Urbaningrum, Andi Mallarangeng and Angelina Sondakh all going to resign from the Party?

Phillip Turnbul