"The key to fighting against corruption is the independence and firmness on the part of corruption eradicating institutes. They must really be strong," the President said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Tuesday independent anti-graft institutes and firm law enforcement are the key to combating corruption in the country.

"The key to fighting against corruption is the independence and firmness on the part of corruption eradicating institutes. They must really be strong," the President said when receiving a delegation of the International Conference Principles for Anti Corruption Agencies at the State Palace here.

In respecting the principles of independence, the government had never meddled in legal cases handled by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the National Police (Polri) and the Attorney General`s Office, as well as in court processes, he said.

The other keys are spirit, commitment and perseverance in combating corruption cases at all levels, he said.

"The integrity, professionalism and capacity of law enforcers are also needed besides open control from the press and NGOs and the presence of whistle blowers," he said.

The President further attached significance to intensive cooperation at regional and global levels to combat corruption.

"There need to be effective and sincere international cooperation. I want to share (my story) that if any of Indonesian fugitives stash away their money in another country the government of the other country should help (Indonesia bring back the money). We are ready to cooperate with other countries so there will not be a haven for wanted corrupters," he said.

Since a presidential decree on accelerating the effort to combat corruption was issued in 2004 there had been tens if not hundreds of local and national officials declared guilty of involvement in graft cases, he said.

"Hundreds of state officials have been tried. Those found guilty have been sent to jail. This means that we are not selective in combating corruption cases," he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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