Jakarta, NU Online
Graft watchdog Transparency International (TI) Indonesia asked President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to promptly embark on massive bureaucratic reform to tackle rampant corruption at government agencies.

TI Indonesia chairman Todung Mulya Lubis said Wednesday that Yudhoyono should embark on a purge of corrupt officials at a number of government agencies, including the police, courts, tax and immigration offices, customs and excise office and the military. <<>/p>

"These institutions are considered the most corrupt. It is embarrassing that many officials don't hesitate to openly ask for bribes," Todung said, referring to the result of TI Indonesia's latest survey released Tuesday.

Executives of TI Indonesia met with Yudhoyono on Wednesday to present the survey results.

Also present in the meeting were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Widodo A.S., Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh and National Police chief Gen. Sutanto.

According to the service performance index, the most corrupt institutions are local police, district courts and city councils.

The survey revealed that the capital of Central Kalimantan, Palangkaraya, is the least corrupt city in the country with an index of 6.61, while Maumere in East Nusa Tenggara is the most corrupt city with an index of 3.22.

Survey results were pessimistic concerning the government's campaign against graft.

Based on interviews with businesspeople, TI Indonesia predicted that graft in the country would rise in the next three years.

Of concern is that foreign businesspeople have started to consider paying bribes normal.

TI Indonesia said that most foreign businessmen interviewed for the survey said they paid bribes more often than their domestic peers.

"Many foreign businessmen interviewed didn't mind throwing around what they considered to be `small change' if it is reflected in the services they receive," Todung said.

TI Indonesia urged Yudhoyono to be more resolute in his campaign against graft.

"The President could mobilize support from the 67 percent of voters who elected him in the 2004 presidential election," TI Indonesia said.

Responding to the demand, Yudhoyono pledged that he would press ahead with his anti-corruption campaign.

"However, the President said the campaign could not be accomplished overnight. It is a massive task that will require time," Todung said, quoting Yudhoyono.  (tjp/dar)