Marguerite Afra Sapiie

The government is considering an option to not put corruption convicts behind bars as the punishment has not been proven effective, as seen by the rampant corruption cases in the country, a top minister said on Tuesday.

Indonesia needed a breakthrough in eradicating corruption since jailing the graft convicts had not yet created any deterrents, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said.

The government would instead focus on impoverishing the corrupt officials and force them to return the money stolen from the state, plus pay a fine. The possible punishments would also include firing them from their positions.

"We're still exploring the details. It's still very early to decide," Luhut told journalists at his office on Tuesday.

The government has formed a team of experts to examine possible new sanctions and also study the punishments given to corruption convicts in other countries for insight. The new form of sanctions could also be another way to overcome prison overcrowding, he added.

During his work trip to Medan, North Sumatra, on Monday Luhut pointed out that the idea came after seeing many corruption convicts, including state officials, who regarded their offenses lightly.

Despite the government's committed anti-corruption stance, many parties had slammed Jokowi's administration for its weak efforts in corruption eradication. (rin)

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