YOGYAKARTA-The rampant corruption practices committed by members of legislative, executive and judicial bodies is not solely because of greed. For example, the occurrence of corruption in parliament is partly because of liberalized political cost.
"The liberalization does not limit political costs for individuals to register as a House member or regent, etc.,” the researcher from the Indonesian Institute, Hanta Yudha, said in a talk show with the theme of Corruption in Indonesia, held by Social and Political Clinic, located at East Assembly Room of Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, UGM, Friday (7/12).
Hanta added the liberalization makes members of Parliament not only want to enrich themselves but also return the campaign costs.
"There are other factors, too, such as budget transparency in political parties and recruitment system of members," the alumnus of UGM’s Department of Government said.
Danang Girindrawardana, Chairman of Indonesian Ombudsman, highlighted the rampant illegal payments (bribes). Although it does not cause the state’s loss, the illegal payment still causes injustice to the community.
"Ombudsman is serious about helping people to fight the injustices they face," Danang said.
Danang exemplified the practice of ‘petty corruption’ or maladministration, such as illegal payment, that may be reported to the Ombudsman. Although no criminal article charges, the Ombudsman’s recommendation of Law 37/2008 must be carried out.
"In principle, the Ombudsman’s recommendation has to be implemented so as to make it strong enough to force even the president," he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the House of Representatives, Priyo Budi Santoso, said that the practice of corruption has nothing to do with the ideology of a political party, ideology which has either religious or nationalism background. Especially at this time, Priyo said, there has been de-ideologization of all political parties.
"As a result, there is no significant difference between all political parties wether religious-based political parties or non-religious-based ones," Priyo that once served as Student Senate President of FISIPOL said.
As a result, the appeal to join a political party is not because of its ideology but because of the programs they offer and the famous people’s involvement.
In the same place, the special staff to the President for Regional Autonomy, Velix Vernando Wanggai, confirmed that the government remains serious and committed in fighting against corruption. One of these efforts is revamping the budget distribution from the center government to the regional governments.