I

t would be a monumental task to list all the corrupt practices within the police force. From protecting slave labor to amassing billions of rupiah of state money, the National Police seem to be the only state institution untouched by reform.

After policy makers decided in 1999 to expand the enforcement mandate of police officers ' a decision that aimed to end 35 years of military domination of security affairs - integrity and transparency have become increasingly rare commodities within the force.

As President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is set to replace the National Police chief in August, hopes are high for the installment of a top cop with integrity to kick-start reform and root out corruption.

Sadly, however, questions are already being asked about the integrity of the candidates for the top job as most of them have wealth that far outweighs their basic salaries as police generals.

Unless the President is serious about cleaning up the National Police, he is likely to leave behind a legacy of an even more corrupt force.