March 14, 2017 edition

In this reform era, it is ironic that corruption is flourishing again. The huge corruption scandal over the supply of electronic KTPs (ID cards) is proof of this. This was no trivial embezzlement. The state funds stolen by the corruptors came to Rp2.3 trillion--an amount only 'superseded' by the Bank Century case, which is estimated to have cost Rp7 trillion. What is truly embarrassing is that the people responsible were ministry officials, members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the political parties--the very three institutions that should be on the front line in the fight to eradicate corruption.

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More Opinion articles in other editions

March 7, 2017 edition

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February 28, 2017 edition

It is good to see increasing numbers of farmers using online trading sites to sell their produce. The Internet marketplace really helps them. They no longer need middlemen, be they traders or brokers, who usually make more money than the farmers. Their initiative to make use of technology deserves support.

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February 21, 2017 edition

Negotiations over the status change of the contract of work have gone on and on. There must be a solution benefitting both parties.

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February 14, 2017 edition

We must support every endeavor to improve the Indonesian press, including setting up standards by the Press Councilas regulated by Press Council Regulation No. 4/2008. The 17-point guideline, if implemented properly, will make the press function as a medium of information, education, entertainment and social control, as well as being a truly healthy commercial entity.
At the time, the Press Council enjoyed widespread support. Its standards were discussed by organizations, press people and the leaders of media organizations. The Press Councilthen headed by former Gadjah Mada University Dean Ichlasul Amalwas seen as having achieved something important. Its role was specified in Article 15 (f) of Law No. 40/1999 on the Press, i.e. to facilitate press organizations in drawing up regulations and improving the quality of journalism.

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February 7, 2017 edition

Donald Trump has banned citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. This gives American democracy a bad name.

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January 31, 2017 edition

Pertamina needs to resolve the convoluted problems plaguing its organization now, not later. The first internal conflict that led to the formation of groups at the top level of this state oil and gas company may have resulted in the second problem, the management's failure to prevent the recurrence of damages in its refineries.
The internal rift was believed to have been sparked by the management change carried out by the state-owned enterprise (SOE) ministry. The new structure limits the role of CEO Dwi Soetjipto, vesting instead bigger powers to his deputy, Ahmad Bambang. Ironically, as the second top man, he currently supervises the two directors, for processing and marketing, in addition to the Integrated Supply Chain, a fuel and crude oil import procurement unit, which will shortly join other units under his command.

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