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Citizens urged to play greater role in eradicating corruption
(Tribunnews
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(Tribunnews.com/Amriyono Prakoso) (Tribunnews.com/Amriyono Prakoso)
(Tribunnews.com/Amriyono Prakoso)
Public engagement is key to realizing good governance in Indonesia, particularly in addressing the challenges in long-standing bureaucracy structures that are susceptible to corruption, according to the Bung Hatta Anti-Corruption Award (BHACA) Committee.
'When we come across people who should give good public service but they don't, we shouldn't just let it slide. We have to do something and demand [our rights] as a citizen,' BHACA chairman of daily council Natalia Soebagjo recently told thejakartapost.com.
She pointed out that most citizens think that eradicating corruption is the government's job and not their responsibility.
Natalia asserted that members of the public should realize that they also had an important role to play, particularly by being critical of government regulations, implementation and performance. As members of the public, people should not be apathetic because letting the government misuse its power would not help Indonesia implement good governance.
'Indonesia needs not only more leaders who are courageous to fight against the system but also youngsters who are willing to promote anti-corruption movements,' said Natalia.
A government that exercises its power with transparency, accountability and consistency while promoting good national values is the basic requirement of good governance. It cannot stand alone, as it needs support from institutions that are committed to serving the people and creating an open and accountable system, she pointed out.
In Indonesia, however, the main problem lies in the poor quality of institutions and bureaucracy, especially law enforcement agencies.
'The government should give more space to the Corruption Eradication Commission [KPK] to continue its mission. [The KPK] may not be perfect, but it's the best that we've got,' said Natalia, adding that the KPK also needed to continuously improve its system.
Current initiatives to promote more accountable and transparent government practices are emerging from local governments. Former Surabaya mayor Tri Rismaharini and current Batang Regent Yoyok Riyo Sudibyo, for example, who were winners of the 2015 BHACA, were among the revolutionary agents expected to inspire others to establish a corruption-free system.
However, according to anti-corruption activist Luky Djani, these strong-spirited local governments could face challenges in working within the current inconducive government structure, which is full of predatory politics.
'We hope that these people [who won the awards] can bring change and be able to promote the practices of good governance from the local to central levels,' said Luky. (kes)(+)
