Roundup: Megawati Keeps Indonesia United, Vows to Fight Corruption

Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri Thursday vowed to safeguard the country's unity and fight corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN), including those done by her family.

In her state-of-the-nation address delivered before the House of Representatives here, the president apologized for the mistakes of the past governments that gave rise to separatist sentiment in Aceh and Irian Jaya provinces.

The head of state renewed the government's commitment to giving the two provinces special autonomy status. But she insisted that all negotiations and talks for the settlement of the conflicts in the future must be framed within the context of the unitary Republic of Indonesia.

Rebels in the country's westernmost province of Aceh have been fighting for 25 years for independence, a greater share of oil profits and the right to impose Islamic religious laws. And separatists in Irian Jaya have demanded that Jakarta recognize its independence.

Megawati reiterated that the government will give the two province, especially Aceh, special autonomy status.

The special autonomy law, known as the Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Law, which was passed by the House last month and signed by the president on August 9, provides for the implementation of Islamic Law and larger revenue-sharing in the oil and gas sector.

The head of state also promised fundamental policy changes to allay separatist unrest in Aceh and Irian Jaya, including prosecuting past human rights offenders.

But she underlined that the need to maintain national territory integrity to a must, saying that it is an important required element for any nation in the world.

Referring to the KKN, Megawati expressed optimism that if all people promise not to engage in KKN, there would be a breakthrough in the fight against corruption.

"Please let me report before this session that I have gathered the members of my close relatives and made them promise not to take advantage of any chance to engage in KKN. They said they would take their promise seriously and I hope they would stand against the many temptations around them," she said.

The husband of Megawati Taufik Kiemas told reporters after attending the House session that he had no other choice than to fulfill his promise to stay clear of unlawful practices.

He said he was not involved in KKN as he only ran several gas stations in the capital.

KKN has helped turn Indonesia into one of the world's most corrupt countries, reaching staggering levels under former president Soeharto who was forced from office in 1998.

Indonesia's donors are pressing hard to root out the corruption which pervades a bloated and underpaid bureaucracy and has long been the norm for anything from winning a major contract to settling a minor traffic offense.

Megawati also said that she has ordered all members of her " Gotong Royong" (Mutual Help) Cabinet to report their wealth to the commission looking into the wealth of government officials.

"The practice of corruption, collusion and nepotism, however small, is still a violation of (an official's) oath of office," she said.

Commenting on the Megawati's address, Attorney General Muhammad Abdul Rachman said he will give priority to the settlement of all cases on KKN involving corrupters who have already been questioned by his office.

He also stressed the need for the institution to improve its image. He said his office has begun doing this, although it is still in the investigation process.

Observers said that the political will of the present government in fighting corruption, as displayed by Megawati, deserves the people's support.

"The only problem is how her cabinet ministers can contribute, so as not to leave the president alone in her fight against corruption," said Jusuf Syakir, a senior politician.

In her address, Megawati also reiterated her six programs to end the economic crisis which has been plaguing the country.

The programs concern the maintenance of the nation's unity, continuance of the reform and democratization agenda, normalization of the economy, law enforcement, restoration of international confidence in Indonesia, and preparations for the 2004 general election.

Megawati asked an understanding, cooperation and support from every party in the country, particularly from the parliament.

"Only in this way, can we gradually get out of the national crisis," she said.

Politicians here hailed Megawati's address, saying they had never expected the address to be so impressive.

"The president's address has succeeded in erasing the people's doubt on Megawati," said Jusuf Syakir, who is also chairman of the commission monitoring the wealth of state officials.






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