"Stop collecting illegal levies, especially in areas where they affect common people. Catch such culprits and discharge them from service if they are found pocketing illegal levies," the president said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo has warned all ministries and asked them to take steps to stop all forms of illegal levies, especially when it comes to public services.

"Stop collecting illegal levies, especially in areas where they affect common people. Catch such culprits and discharge them from service if they are found pocketing illegal levies," President Joko Widodo said while speaking to the media in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The president made the statement when he made a sudden visit to the Ministry of Transportation's offices in connection with a raid following complaints of illegal levies being charged for issuing clearance certificates.

President Widodo said the government will continue to regulate and arrest those who charge such levies.

"I stress, once again, that they should stop such practices. At the moment, an operation is on to eradicate this menace," he affirmed.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi expressed appreciation for the police force for uncovering the alleged graft.

He hoped that the police action will deter anyone from indulging in such malpractices again.

"I urge the staff of the ministry to immediately stop such acts of corruption, collusion and nepotism at all levels, and to make this a moment for introspection. The institution must perform its duty as a public service with integrity," the minister added.

Ever since his inauguration, Minister Sumadi had been stressing that his staff must provide stakeholders the best services and must not charge any illegal levies.

In his first month in office, the minister had received numerous reports of illegal levies being charged in the ministry, especially in the clearance services division.

Since it is a matter of criminal offense, the police actively coordinated with the ministry.

"We found some prima facie facts, which were then reported to the police for further investigation. Once evidence was gathered, they were able to proceed with the arrests in the clearance unit," he noted.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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