Inul and the Real Corruptors

It's a given that perception is often stronger than reality.

Take Inul Daratista.  The dangdut queen surely wouldn't have corrupted the morals of her Pondok Indah neighborhood last November when she tried to erect a statue of herself on a busy roadway.  Harmless narcissism, in my opinion.  And it might have served as a way to bring smiles during horrible macet drive times.

But critics won out, and it's anybody's guess where the 1.5-meter copper figure is now standing.

The focus should be on real corruption, the kind that's measurable.  The kind that Indonesia's negative image abroad is usually tied to.

A recent report by an international watchdog group said Indonesia did show a slight improvement in its fight against corruption in 2007.

The “Corruption Perceptions Index” of Berlin-based Transparency International placed Indonesia in a tie for 143rd place, alongside Russia and Togo.  Denmark, Finland and New Zealand topped the chart as the cleanest countries.  Myanmar and Somalia bottomed out as the most corrupt.
That the ROI made any positive move has to be appreciated, no matter how miniscule.  But in this case, the perception is also, sadly, the reality.
On the occasion of the release of the latest global report, I asked friends and colleagues to provide their most disturbing, memorable or amusing personal examples of corruption.  Below is a summarized collection of their experiences, all true, with fictitious names attached.  Unfortunately, I imagine that most will come as no surprise.

Tom, energy executive: “I took a guy from Houston to a government office to discuss a pending contract.  The official commented on my colleague's Rolex watch, how beautiful it was, and could he please look at it.  So my colleague handed him the watch, and both of us were stunned when the guy opened his desk drawer and deposited the Rolex in the drawer and closed it.  We got the contract, but my friend didn't get his Rolex back.”

Dewi, executive assistant: “Since 2000, I've lost three wallets and four handphones.  And each time I went to the police to make a report, I was asked to pay from Rp 20,000 to 50,000 (about US$2-5) without getting a receipt.”

Rani, business owner: “When one of my drivers bought gasoline unaccompanied by me, he asked for a receipt that was higher than the amount purchased so he could claim a higher value and keep the change.  And when one of my workers arrived at the airport with some used motorized garden equipment, he was told by customs officials that second-hand equipment can't be brought into Indonesia.  After paying Rp 100,000, the equipment was allowed in.”

Tim, international finance official: “My maid disappeared with all my wife's jewelry.  When we asked the police to help find her, they asked for US$50.”

Jamal, IT specialist: “My pregnant wife and I were stopped on Jl. Gatot Subroto for a 3-in-1 traffic violation.  Of course, we were innocent as it was after 7 p.m.  The police officer asked for a Rp 2 million payment.  I declined and acted as though I did not speak Indonesian.  After 10 minutes of negotiations, I became frustrated and spoke in perfect Indonesian.  I explained that he was wrong, that we did have three people in the car: me, my wife and my unborn baby.  He looked surprised and let us go.”

Will, NGO director: “The most annoying is immigration.  When I've left the country and all my papers are in order, they (immigration officials) will still hit you up for cash.  They say, 'Don't you want to thank me for your stay in our country?'  And you would think having kids with you would make it easier, along with their Indonesian mom.  It doesn't.  Kids' tears and fears do not inspire sympathy, but greed on the part of immigration officers.”

Merlina, college student: “I was heading to Sydney to study.  My baggage was overweight and the check-in agent told me that he couldn't load it and if I wanted him to do so, I needed to pay the excess baggage fee that went up to Rp 2 million. Then I asked him to be a bit lenient with me since I'm a student.  Then he suddenly changed his mind and quietly said that I could pay him Rp 600,000 to get my luggage in with no problem.”

Dalton, journalist: “I had just arrived in Indonesia and had heard stories of highway payoffs to police.  That very day my car is stopped for a unspecified traffic violation.  My passenger immediately digs into his pocket for Rp 50,000, which he said is the standard fee to get on our way.  When the police officer asks where we work, and we say a media organization, his manner changes.  He says, ‘I'll let you go without payment, but you must give my daughter a job at your company when she graduates from college.  Give me your business card.’  We're still waiting for his call.”

Hawaii native Dalton Tanonaka is the co-anchor of Metro TV's "Indonesia Now" program, seen on Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. and Sundays at 5:30 p.m.  He can be reached at dalton@metrotvnews.com.

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