Corruption Eradication Reform Needs Courage From Prabowo Subianto

Photo caption: President Prabowo Subianto delivered a statement during a meeting with the President of the Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Al Ittihadiya Presidential Palace, Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday 18 December 2024. (ANTARA PHOTO/Mentari Dwi Gayati)

JAKARTA Political and legal observer Pieter C Zulkifli said President Prabowo Subianto's speech stating that corruptors can be forgiven as long as they return the proceeds of corruption to the state, they need to be accompanied by concrete actions.

This is because corruption in Indonesia is no longer a matter of individuals, but a systemic problem that demands fundamental reforms. "Without the courage and consistency of a head of state, eradicating corruption will continue to be a discourse," he said in a written statement, Sunday, December 29, 2024.

According to him, Prabowo's statement that he wanted to forgive corruptors on the condition that he returned his corruption money to the state was part of a corruption eradication strategy that emphasized the recovery of state losses (asset recovery) in accordance with the principles in the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

The reason is, law enforcement in corruption cases must bring benefits to the nation's economy, not just revenge. However, Pieter admits that so far Prabowo's concrete steps in eradicating corruption are still being questioned. Moreover, since his inauguration speech two months ago which acknowledged the leakage of the state budget, the follow-up to Prabowo's commitment has not been seen as real.

The former chairman of Commission III of the DPR emphasized that the history of eradicating corruption in Indonesia shows that the role and courage of the president is very decisive. He gave an example, in the era of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, big cases such as the Century Bank scandal continued despite dragging the name of his besan, Aulia Pohan.

He emphasized that corruption in Indonesia has become systemic, involving the circle of power, bureaucracy, and the law. Money becomes a common thread in recruitment, promotion of positions, to policy making.

It is also what creates a vicious circle that is difficult to break. In fact, the law is often subject to the power of capital. This situation illustrates how difficult it is to eradicate corruption without comprehensive reform.

"The question is, will Prabowo allow the KPK to weaken or vice versa? Without concrete steps, the vicious circle between money and power will continue to influence the political face of Indonesia. That is the reason why Indonesia needs a leader who is brave, firm, and sided with the people, not just an empty speech on the international podium," said Pieter.