VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

On January 23rd, 2018, the Corruption Eradication Commission -KPK again made a surprise by deciding the status of a suspect to a regional head. The official is suspected of accepting bribes and gratuities related to the implementation of projects within his government. On the one hand, people see clearly how the capacity of the anti-corruption institution shows. The KPK is so smart, with the support of all parties, crack down those who abuse their authority. On the other hand, the question arises, why there are still those who commit corruption (?). In fact, the data of Ministry of Home Affairs shows that there have been hundreds of corruptions cases by regional heads charged by the KPK from 2004 to 2017. This should be enough to remind anyone not to take consequence.

Over the first few years of regional autonomy applied, the call of little kings for regional heads occurred. It was only natural remembering that their authority was powerful. The positive impact of the democratic spirit in the reformation era is aimed at accelerating development in each region. Each region is authorized to accelerate development in accordance with its potential. Unfortunately, temptations arise for individual or group interests. Unsurprisingly, the KPK's action to eradicate the abuse of authority by these little kings is greatly appreciated by the people of Indonesia.

Now, corruption eradication efforts do not encounter significant obstacles, as supported by all stakeholders in addition to the strength of the underlying legal basis. KPK seems to keep make breakthrough without fear in a bid to eradicate corruption. Now, the problem is that how the KPK takes preventive efforts, such as by maximizing the presence of internal monitoring units to be involved in the execution of each project.

In addition, it may be necessary to review the democratic system in the election of regional heads, especially in terms of huge costs that contestants and supporters must spend. Consequently, this brings about impact on corruption by some regional heads, both incumbent and newly elected ones.

Indeed, every country has its own uniqueness in democracy. So, the model of democracy in one country cannot be applied absolutely. But democracy should not be secretly-packed image of something bad. If this is the case, KPK's work will be endless, and this is not good news. Corruption will continue to recur if the root cause of the problem is not well identified. That’s why, this must be immediately resolved.