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The ID card scam the most sickening of all
What is not being corrupted in Indonesia? But why is the electronic ID card a completely different story?
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An officer arranges electronic ID card (e-KTP) at West Jakarta, Thursday, August 3, 2017. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
W
hat is not being corrupted in Indonesia? Case after case emerges from a seemingly bottomless pit. From imports of beef and medical equipment to security and defense, even pilgrimage funds and the procurement of the Quran have been affected by scandals.
Not to mention the countless government officials under investigation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for various graft cases.
But why is the electronic ID card a completely different story? And from what perspective can we say that this is the worst form of corruption? Not that we can say there is any good act of corruption, as all corruption is indeed bad.
First of all, the e-ID card case involves some officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs and House of Representatives politicians, notably the speaker, Setya Novanto. It is devastating to learn about the quality of the people’s representatives, who were elected in an expensive process.
More than Rp 16 trillion was spent on the 2014 elections, which could have otherwise been allocated for hundreds of new schools, public libraries and health centers across the country.
Second, an astonishing Rp 2.3 trillion has allegedly been swindled due to sheer mismanagement. Even worse, this case comes to light in the midst of a budget deficit that is now knocking on the door of the legal deficit cap at 3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
The third reason — and the irony of it all — is that the e-ID card program was intended as a key enabler to help the government promote efficient and effective governance.
