Police Ordered to Get Tough on Covid-19 Fund Misuse

Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has told the National Police to 'bite off' any government official with the slightest intent for misusing the Covid-19 fund.

Indonesia is still struggling to contain the pandemic, with infection cases growing at the fastest speed throughout June. The government has budgeted a whopping Rp 695.2 trillion (around $48.7 billion) in stimulus package to cope with the economic impact of the outbreak. 

Corruption, however, is still the country's never-ending headache that law enforcers should look out for especially during the health crisis.

"If there is a potential problem, warn them immediately. If there is any intent for corruption, act immediately or just bite them off. In this crisis, nobody should be playing around," Jokowi said at the 74th National Police Day ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to the president, there should be more robust teamwork between government internal supervisory bodies and law enforcers such as the National Police, prosecutors and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). 

Stronger collaboration is necessary to accelerate the Covid-19 response programs and supervise its budget use.

"Prevention should be prioritized. Do not wait around until the problem occurs," he said.

More Homework

In his speech, Jokowi has rolled out seven instructions as a guideline for the National Police when carrying out their duties.

The first is the reinforcement of the police's ancestral values of Tri Brata and Catur Prasetya, followed by a continuous self-reform for more transparent and accountable governance.

The third is to strengthen both internal solidarity and synergy with the National Military, all government elements and the people as there are more complex challenges ahead such as the upcoming regional election in December, Jokowi said.

Emerging social problems should be addressed with a persuasive yet humanist approach, he said.

Jokowi instructed the police for a fair and transparent law enforcement to build people's trust.

Lastly, they are ordered to discipline the public to comply with the health protocols and to support the economic recovery.