KPK: Gratification Grows Beggar Mentality

Gedung KPK (Irfan Meidianto/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) assesses that gratuities that are often given to state officials or administrators can cause a beggar mentality. Not only that, this acceptance is considered to cause a sense of indebtedness that makes a person fall into the snares of a criminal act of corruption.

This was conveyed by the Directorate of Gratification and Public Services of the KPK to the Fund Management Agency for Palm Oil Plantations (BPDPKS) of the Directorate General (Ditjen) of the Treasury of the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu).

"Getting used to receiving gratuities related to positions will foster a beggar mentality because they are used to asking. In addition, (making, ed) always feels indebted," said Head of the KPK Gratification and Public Service Task Force (Kasatgas) Sugiarto in a written statement quoted on Tuesday, November 2nd.

This debt of gratitude, he said, could make people fall into presumptuous actions because they feel reluctant when the giver asks for their business to be facilitated. "So that in the end, there is the potential to be trapped in bribery and in the next stage the recipients of gratification will enrich themselves and other people or corporations," said Sugiarto.

"Therefore, be aware of the dangers of gratification. Why? Because gratification is the root of corruption, causing conflicts of interest and fraud," he added.

He also sees this gratification as a pandemic where integrity is the vaccine. Thus, Sugiarto hopes that all public officials can maintain their honesty by avoiding any acceptance from other parties.

"Like a pandemic, integrity is expected to be an anti-corruption vaccine. Let's prevent corruption from our own household," he said.

Furthermore, Sugiarto explained the meaning of illegal gratification. In accordance with Article 12B Paragraph 1, gratuities to civil servants or state officials are considered bribes if they are related to their positions and which are contrary to their obligations and duties.

However, he also mentioned that there are a number of characteristics of gratification that are not required to be reported. First, said Sugiarto, giving is generally accepted in terms of types, conditions, values and has the principle of fairness or propriety.

Second, it does not conflict with the applicable laws and regulations. Third, enter the realm of customs, habits, and norms that live in society. Finally, it is seen as a form of expression or hospitality.

"Essentially, one manifestation of a person's integrity is that they are careful about giving gifts. Moreover, if the gift is believed to be related to their position and contrary to their duties and obligations, it is prohibited," he said.

"Please refuse and report the rejection. If you have to accept it, please report it. Why? Because gratification is slightly different from bribery," concluded Sugiarto.