THE Covid-19 pandemic is receding into the past, but the effects of the corruption during that period are still being felt. Currently, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is busy investigating alleged corruption over the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic emergency in 2020, which it is believed to cost the state hundreds of billions of rupiah.

In an audit for the same year, the Finance and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) found a number of problems. These include unreasonable prices for the supply of PPE and problems with the supply chain that was not in line with regulations. Three individuals from the Ministry of Health and the private sector have been named suspects in relation to these cases.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many nations descended into chaos. Governments around the world relaxed regulations and procedures to respond to the global pandemic, including regarding the supply of goods. This was to make it easier or to improve mitigation of this non-natural disaster. There were many needs that needed to be met immediately. If they had not been, things would have been even worse for the people suffering from the effects of the pandemic. Many nations were in disarray, including Indonesia.

At the same time, autocracy increased. The principles of democracy were weakened. Transparency was ignored, the mechanism of checks and balances was set aside, and there was little public participation. This led to many opportunities for corruption, and this is in fact what happened. Close relationships between those in power and making policy with rent seekers thrived during the pandemic. Examples include the suspected corruption over the supply of PPE involving a number of institutions such as the Ministry of Health, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency and its suppliers.

But the PPE corruption case is only one example. Previously, Social Affairs Minister Juliari Batubara was found guilty of taking bribes from companies appointed to supply social assistance to people suffering from the impact of the pandemic. Many regional officials were found guilty of the same offense. According to Transparency International Indonesia, the corruption perception index for Indonesia in 2020, when the pandemic began, fell by three points from the previous year to 37. Indonesia was ranked at 102 of 180 countries, a fall from the previous ranking of 85.

This is very worrying. Therefore, the PPE supply case, and also other instances of corruption during the pandemic, must be thoroughly investigated. Every individual involved, no matter who they are, must face the consequences of their actions. Corruption is an extraordinary crime, an amoral act. Corruption during a pandemic is a far more heinous crime, which strikes at the core of humanity. People profiteer from the misfortune of those struggling to survive, or even who are dying.

People found guilty of this crime in court should be severely punished. The 1999 Corruption Eradication Law, which was revised in 2001, provides for the death penalty. According to this law, the most serious of punishments should be handed down to those guilty of corruption in certain situations, namely the embezzlement of funds for emergency or national natural disasters.