According to Teten Masduki, prominent social observer, a post-election government will not be accommodative to the eradication of corruption in Indonesia, as in his opinion present promises to combat KKN will ultimately prove to be so much lip service. This problem is best reflected in the way that the public are never entirely sure how a party intends to deal with corruption: no clear policies are ever offered. Masduki’s concern over the nation’s ongoing efforts against corruption is compounded by several other factors, including ‘crowding corruption’, a phenomenon during a regime’s exit from government whereby corrupt entities within the regime adopt a free-for-all approach to corrupt activities, worried about their impending loss of status. Another obstacle is that, as we can already infer from current election results, a ‘rainbow cabinet’ is likely to emerge, and like the previous rainbow cabinet it will be impotent in dealing with the KKN problem.

            In the context of present efforts to combat KKN, Masduki has expressed his disappointment in the Commission for the Eradication of Corruption (KPK), which he feels has not so far communicated its usefulness to the public, despite his belief that ‘crowding corruption’ at this stage of the current regime should be at a fever pitch at this point in time. This is not the first time the KPK has been under fire from analysts, demanding to see some proof that the Commission is actually doing something to remedy the problem of corruption. Of course, it should be obvious that at this point in time, during a regime’s imminent exit and a new one’s rise to power, it will be difficult for the KPK, newly formed, lacking any real support from the government, and perhaps a little uncertain of its future, to exert any sort of significant influence. Hopefully, the winning regime will see that supporting the KPK and other anti-corruption entities will ultimately be in its own interest. [aws]