‘Accidentally’ corrupt officials must be protected: SBY

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Mon, December 10 2012,


President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Monday that many state officials could be charged with corruption even though they had not intended to commit corruption.

Yudhoyono said the “unclear distinction” between bureaucratic dos and don’ts could make officials hesitant in making immediate decisions or lead to them being charged with corruption.

“Sometimes we need to make a quick policy, but the lack of knowledge about corruption can lead to officials making a decision that can be considered in violation of the Corruption Law. This kind of official does not have the intention to commit corruption. The state must protect them,” the President said.

The reasoning on corruption and officials was mentioned in Yudhoyono’s speech during the commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day at the State Palace.

Commenting on the statement, Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairman Abraham Samad, who was also present at the ceremony, said that officials could not hide behind such reasoning.

“A high-ranking official must be aware of how to accountably conduct clean governance. Hence, they cannot be acquitted of corruption charges just because they said ‘I did’t know that it was wrong.’ As a leader, you have responsibility. If you do not know [about conducting clean governance], don’t be a leader,” he told reporters.

On Thursday last week, the KPK declared Andi Mallarangeng, a senior member of Yudhoyono’s Democratic Party, a suspect for allegedly abusing his power as youth and sports minister in the alleged massive budget misappropriation in the construction of the Rp 1.17 trillion (US$121.62 million) Hambalang sports complex in Sentul, West Java.

The next day, Andi, who served as Yudhoyono’s spokesman from 2004 to 2009 and was known to be close to Yudhoyono’s family and inner circle, resigned as a minister and secretary of the Democratic Party’s board of patrons.

Andi has repeatedly denied he was involved in the case even though witnesses have said that he played a significant role.