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February 1, 2008 Congratulations to Indonesia for successfully hosting the United Nations Convention Against Corruption conference this week in Bali. Indonesia’s leadership – both internationally and domestically – on anti-corruption reform is a strong sign for future progress. President Yudhoyono has highlighted good governance as a top priority and the Indonesian government has made progress in combating corruption. The United States fully supports Indonesia’s efforts. “Korupsi membunuh bangsa” (“Corruption kills the nation”). This KPK slogan summarizes it perfectly: corruption is a corrosive force that strikes at the core of Indonesian democracy. Whether it is a bribe paid or an inflated price in a procurement process, the nation and its people suffer. Corruption is hardly a victimless crime. It takes money and services away from the people who need them most: the poor. And the perceptions, both real and imagined, of corruption in Indonesia hamper both foreign and domestic investment, thus costing Indonesia needed jobs. Corruption will not be overcome in days or weeks, but requires months and years of sustained commitment by leaders and the public. Long-term, institutional reform is a complex process; however, measured progress by the many institutions working on anti-corruption reform can achieve real benefits. While ending corruption will be a generational challenge, generational change can only come as the cumulative result of many smaller steps along the way. And we are seeing those steps. The new KPK commissioners have inherited an organization that can build upon its reputation as the nation's premier anti-corruption fighter. The Attorney General has extensive experience in prosecuting criminals and the Attorney General's Office plays a key role in investigating corruption allegations and recovering stolen assets. As a result of the 2007 Transparency Decree, the public now has access to Supreme Court decisions. The Ministry of Finance is building an institution that will improve tax and custom processes and reduce opportunities for corruption. The police are working hard to investigate corruption and to combat corruption within its own ranks. And Parliament is working on critical legislation that will provide political direction and institutional authority for anti-corruption efforts. But fighting corruption isn't only the job of the government. The many civil society organizations that are working on anti-corruption reform are impressive. The media are assuming an ever-larger watchdog role in identifying and exposing corruption. It takes two to rob the public through corruption, so the role of business is also key. Voters have a responsibility as well; they can send a message through the ballot box that corrupt officials will not be tolerated. The United States is working with the Indonesian government, civil society and the media to support President Yudhoyono’s commitment to good governance. We are providing millions of dollars in technical assistance to bolster the government’s efforts to recover stolen assets and bring the corruptors to justice. We are also supporting institutional and civil service reform. The “big fish” must be caught. Equally importantly, the institutional “holes in the net” must be mended to reduce opportunities for corruption in the future. I salute the Indonesian government’s promotion of good governance and civil society and the media's continual demand for further accountability and more progress in combating corruption. Indonesia is currently writing a new chapter in its history. The United States will continue to support our Indonesian partners in their work toward this national priority. 2008 provides us many opportunities to work together to promote good governance and rule of law.
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