Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo said he will always support and strengthen the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as an institution that is self-reliant and has adequate budget.

"When it comes to law enforcement, I emphasize our obligation to support and strengthen the Corruption Eradication Commission from the standpoint of institution, self-reliance and budget," he stated during a limited meeting to discuss measures to eradicate corruption, here on Tuesday.

The president also stressed the need for internal reforms within prosecution and police institutions to create a force of professional law enforcement personnel.

"It is not enough to do just that. To ensure that corruption is effectively weeded out, the National Police and the Attorney Generals Office cannot work alone. They must synergize their efforts with the Corruption Eradication Commission," he advised.

The efforts to prevent and eradicate corruption must not stop at drafting documents, he stressed.

"Neither do I want it to be symbolic or ceremonial action. I want such efforts to be focused on the issues. I want these to result in concrete action in the field," he noted.

He recalled that the government has started to usher in legal reforms by setting up a task force to eradicate illegal levies and crack down on illegal levy-tainted practices.

"As a result, we can look at many improvements, particularly in public service places," he observed.

The president committed himself to push ahead with such efforts to end corruption, adding the initiative must start at the top and then move downstream. There must be efforts aimed at prevention and then firm legal action should follow.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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