In Front Of Activists, KPK: Corruption Is Still A Boil In Regional And State Finances, If We Don't Care, Who Else?

Deputy Chairperson of the KPK Alexander Marwata (Photo; KPK Doc)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Alexander Marwata asked all parties to move against the practice of racism in the country. Moreover, Indonesia is still in the category of a corrupt country.

He conveyed this during a dialogue with 30 activists and activists in the field of natural resources; activists for the protection of indigenous peoples, democracy; and human and women's rights activists in Jayapura on Sunday, November 21.

"KPK in carrying out its duties always invites all elements of the nation to let us together improve our nation and state. We are still slumped due to corruption," Alexander said in a written statement quoted on Monday, November 22.

He explained that Indonesia was included in the category of a corrupt country because the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in 2020 was at a score of 37 and was ranked 102 out of 180 countries surveyed.

This problem then makes the Indonesian people not prosperous even though they have a lot of potential, including from natural resources.

"Corruption is still a boil in the management of natural resources and financial management. Both regional and state finances. If we don't care, who else will," said Alexander.

For this reason, the KPK invites all parties, including the activists present, to supervise state administrators in their respective regions. Alexander said this needs to be done because the anti-corruption commission also has limitations in conducting surveillance.

"Don't let these state officials feel that no one is watching. So, let's do our best together at least in the area where we live," he said. Furthermore, Alexander also asked activists and their organizations to play a strategic role in providing guidance and community assistance so that the abundant natural wealth can be enjoyed by the local community.

"If they are not empowered, then the local community will only become spectators. When nature is exploited, the community will only suffer from flooding," he explained.

Finally, before closing his statement, he also said that the education of the surrounding community must be considered. However, this education still has to mention the issue of integrity to close the gap in corrupt practices.

"We want our students to become a generation of integrity. When they enter the world of work, they don't want corruption," he concluded.