Institutions Breed Mafia

KOMPAS/DIDIE SW

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President Joko Widodo’s statement that “Mafias are everywhere, everywhere is mafia” rings true. It is a real condition that persists.

The reality is inseparable from the situation during the New Order, when big businesspeople were groomed and received privilege, facilities and protection from the state. Quickly, as the backbone of the national economy, they grew to become conglomerates.

In the Reform Era, the situation was turned upside down: People with capital now dictate the ruler. To become a regent or governor, candidates require tens to hundreds of billion rupiah while it takes trillions of rupiah to become a president. Directly or through their “hands”, they got political funds from people with capital. On a different scale, such practice was also conducted by candidates of House of Representatives (DPR)/Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD) members.

It is normal that after seizing power, they will repay the debt, at least in the form of protection or favored bureaucratic policies. Then, some of them took a short cut by committing corruption. This is where the mafia and corruption became structured, systematic and massive (TSM) in all lines of life. Unavoidably, in the bureaucracy, the easiest way to get promoted and gain a position is by joining up with those who have capital, those who provide political funds for the ruling regime. They are also taken care of and enjoy a prosperous life.

In practice, they also involve their subordinates, and when they retire they will get a position with the companies that groomed them. Of course, relations with their successors− including to please their “boss”, continue.

During the New Order Era, land evictions were carried out under the pretext of national development. In the Reform Era, the same method is used under the pretext of public order. So are actions related to the State Budget. If there was corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) through controlled and official bureaucracy, in the Reform Era corruption was conducted massively in groups.

The judiciary and the justices, through the Justice Department, used to be controlled by the government. Today, bribery in the judiciary, criminalization and negotiations of legal cases are common. And, the outcome of evil practices, through the legal process, can be legalized as long as the “prices” are accepted. Without prejudice, almost all justices, including Supreme Court judges, could play the words and make them a commodity in the judicial sector. The result is a verdict from the trial of a cassation or case review that cannot be executed. If there is a justice with a conscience, it must be an exception and, surely, it is only in small number.

In short, our civilization in the past 50 years is like what was told in the Quran and other holy books in which Pharaoh (the rulers) are the adorers idol (material, money, position and others). The bigger the idol, the higher their status will be. It is easy to count their salaries. But in reality, they -- high-ranking officials without inheritance and businesses – could have abundant wealth. Then, they purify their assets by calling it fortune from God Almighty and make donations, improving religious services and establishing houses of worship. They also repeatedly go on the haj and umrah (minor haj).

Crackdown

All administrations during the Reform Era have expressed a strong commitment to corruption eradication. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as a president, proudly declared himself commander in the fight against corruption. In practice, he totally failed. Indeed, in Yudhoyono’s era there were mega corruption cases such as those pertaining to Pertamina, Bank Century and e-ID procurement.

President Jokowi, with his big idea of improving bureaucratic morality through a mental revolution, bureaucratic reform, law reform and e-government, would surely face similar cases as his predecessor. Except if in his remaining time in office he conducts measured action through bold programs.

However, a mental revolution and bureaucratic reform is not enough. How can a dirty broomstick be used to clean the floor?

In fact, with his authority and people’s mandate, President Jokowi could appoint a few people to clean the broomstick without violating prevailing regulations, without noise and without confrontation. That is not a heavy task at all because bureaucracy is essentially a machine driven with procedures and ethics to follow.  So, it would be easy to take guide them on the right path.

Of course, the effort to break through this reality must be followed with procedural changes, which require everyone to be honest, namely by implementing transparent management based on information technology. Without procedural change, the situation after Jokowi’s leadership, will return to today’s condition. Without overhauling the reality first, any effort – including the introduction of e-government – would be useless.

IT was manipulated to support the corruption era. So, things may seem transparent without cutting the lengthy and complicated bureaucratic procedures.

The effort would be very effective if the President issued a breakthrough national movement, requiring all state institutions to stand in front of a mirror to reflect and question the origin of their wealth and ask what they have given to taxpayers who support their families through taxes.

President Jokowi’s volunteers do not have to be dancing to the tune of the losers and should distance them from the other group.

They must not respond to hoaxes, produce T-shirts and songs to respond to the other group, which continuously promotes “Change President in 2019” while in fact there are many government programs that must be monitored.

Thus, what we were promised during the 2014 political campaigns should be realized soon, ahead of the 2019 elections. What people need is not promises but proof from the President. Just like the principles of our ancestors. Sabda Pandito Ratu Tan Ora Kena Owah (The ruler’s words should be unchanged).