Proof of Cancer at Kostrad?
Corruption is a disease that does not discriminate. So the news of financial irregularities at the Army’s Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) is no surprising. What does make this unusual, however, is that the amount of money involved is vast and the measures being taken to bring several senior officers and their subordinates to justice are very stern.
Following the unexpected removal of Lieutenant General Agus Wirahadikusumah from his post as Kostrad Commander, a mere four months after he was appointed, it was felt that this measure was too severe. It was in fact Agus, after all, who began the measures to rid the institution of any corruption. However to date, none of those suspected according to the results of an audit graphically illustrating gross misuse of funds—which should have been used for soldiers' welfare—have been investigated, let alone arrested.
An Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) spokesman explained that Agus's replacement had nothing to do with his efforts to rid one of the army's most elite bodies of its network of corruption. In fact, following his transfer, fresh Kostrad Commander, Major General Ryamizard Ryacudu, promised that he would continue the investigation into the corruption. It is anticipated however that his promise will be delayed—he is a busy man.
If the investigation is delayed, the general public can exhale a collective sigh of relief. This will surely mean that the cancer of corruption that has undermined Indonesia's largest combat force, is not actually as bad as was previously suspected. Understandably however, it is difficult to blame the many people who have come to the conclusion that Agus's removal from his post is proof that the cancer within the Kostrad body has reached the terminal stage.
Up to now, Kostrad, just like other military and civilian institutions in Indonesia, has set up several foundations to seek funds for its members' welfare. As many people appreciate, funds are sometimes required to cover official expenses. However, this search for extra funds must be carried out in line, not only with existing laws, but also the original objectives of the foundation. The objectives were to increase the welfare of all members, not to line the pockets of those in authority.
What if these financial irregularities affect the level of professionalism at Kostrad? For example, the quality of operational equipment might be below acceptable standards. This could result in defeat and deaths on the battlefield. A greedy person with the right opportunity, however, doesn’t worry much about the deaths of others.
Up to now, Ryamizard has always been regarded as a totally straight soldier. He must now live up to his reputation and rid his organization of the all-pervading corruption that exists. He must develop a system that eradicates—or at least minimises—the chance of this happening again in the future. This is because it is impossible for any combat force—as large as Kostrad and its 30,000 or so personnel or not—to carry out its primary duties unless all facets of its organizational, administrative and financial affairs are run properly and professionally.
Many government bodies, especially TNI, have an important lesson to learn from this case. As soon as possible, all military units must become more professional and great care has be taken to ensure that funding for the welfare of soldiers as well as for the supply of equipment, only comes from the state budget. The problem is that research into military businesses—in Indonesia and also in other countries—has shown that these types of activities can have a very detrimental effect on its army's capabilities. And the effect on the economy can be even more devastating.
In fact moves to eradicate corruption in both the military and the upholders of law are a major priority for many developing countries. In South Korea, for example, about 400 members of the armed forces—including six retired and seven serving generals—are currently under investigation by a special team from the Ministry of Defense, suspected of being involved in corruption. These efforts are not discriminatory because four-star generals are involved, including the Head of the Intelligence Board, Lee Nam-sin.
So there it is. Because corruption is a disease that does not discriminate, any measure to eradicate it is forbidden to take rank into consideration. This certainly is not an easy task, nor is it without risk. This is why, as well as Ryamizard having to fulfil his promise, the measures must receive the help of us all.
(SZ)