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Community media important in fighting corruption: KPK
Community media plays a crucial role in preventing and eradicating corruption in Indonesia, an expert has said
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Community media plays a crucial role in preventing and eradicating corruption in Indonesia, an expert has said.
'Only a community's strength can control and prevent the spread of corruption. Families, for instance, have become part of the regenerative process of corruptors. We have seen many examples where husbands, wives and children commit acts of corruption together,' Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy chairman Bambang Widjojanto said in a discussion in Yogyakarta on Thursday.
Bambang said local-level media should aid in helping the public adopt anti-corruption behaviors. He added that he hoped community media, such as community radios in villages across Indonesia, could broadcast anti-corruption campaign jingles.
'The KPK and the Indonesia Community Radio Network (JRKI) have developed a streaming radio network to campaign about the need for developing anti-corruption awareness,' he said.
Bambang went on to say that Indonesian citizens -- those who suffer most from nationwide corruption -- must move to fight against corruption. One of the government's weaknesses in its anti-corruption efforts, he said, was that it had not yet sufficiently involved the public, whereas systemic corruption had triggered huge state losses, in addition to other social impacts. Corruption in the health sector, for instance, could lead to increases in maternal death cases due to poor access to medical treatment.
'Within 10 years, the KPK could save Rp 248 trillion (US$20.58 billion) [by stopping corruption]. You can imagine what would happen to our country if such a situation continues to occur,' said Bambang.
Following the network's partnership with the KPK, JRKI chairman Sinam M. Sutarno said community radio workers and listeners had a better understanding of corruption issues.
In Indonesia, there are 423 community radios located in 17 provinces. Each community radio serves around 250 listeners.
'With improved knowledge on corruption issues, villagers are now brave enough to ask village officials questions. Village meetings are broadcast directly to the people,' said Sinam.(ebf)(+++)
