Gunawan is one of 10 high-ranking police officials with suspiciously large bank account balances, as identified by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center.

No doubt (the center) will soon declare that the wealth of other high-ranking police officials also derives from legitimate private business activities, was inherited from parents or actually belongs to their wives, children and friends. (By William A. Sullivan, Jakarta)

Your comments:

The exposure of this case of corruption among high-ranking police officials, other government institutions and politicians is a welcome trend and gives us reason for optimism. Citizens and the media are demanding accountability and reform.

I hope that that this trend will develop in the current administration a courageous resolve to complete its reform agenda. This administration must foster and maintain the right political, judicial and security climate to prosecute lawbreakers without regard to family ties, rank, race or religion.

I hope that this continuous drive towards reform will produce a strong reform agenda in the upcoming regional and national elections. Reform is the only vote-winning theme.

James Waworoendeng
California

Well said on behalf of us bewildered and bemused citizens. The benevolence of the police touched my heart so deeply that I almost cried. Only in Indonesia can this kind of miracle (or should I say ajaib?) exist.

Sasha
Jakarta

Golkar persistent in village fund scheme -- June 10, Online

Golkar is pushing for Rp 1 billion (US$108,000) in development funds for each of the country's 6,700 villages and subdistricts. "The Golkar Party is committed to developing all regions at the same pace," senior party member Priyo Budi Santoso told reporters at the House of Representatives on Thursday.

"If *the village fund* is approved, then management of the fund will be given to village residents. Hopefully, there will be a positive response." Previously, Golkar also proposed a regional financing scheme ("aspiration funds") that would channel Rp 15 billion of taxpayers' money to each House legislator's constituency.

Your comments:

Golkar should prove that there is no corruption in village administration, such as in rice distribution to the poor. Further, Golkar is committed to developing all regions at the same pace? This is nonsense. The disparities in development from region to region are clear. Eastern Indonesia needs much more attention than places west of Java.

Henry Manoe
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara

The term "aspiration funds" is only a euphemism intended to legalize (Golkar's) attempt to steal state money. Development in villages and subdistricts across Indonesia will be better off without aspiration funds. Indonesia does not need pushy politicians.

Ahyar Haqi
Jakarta

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