POLLS AND STATISTICS

 2010, 2009, 2008

[June 2010]

2010 Poll on KPK Performances. The Poll held by a major Indonesian national circulation newspaper shows that public’s trust to KPK remain high, including a stronger image day by day, 49.3% in August 2007 up to 49.7% (March 2008), increased to 63.5% (June 2008), and reaches the highest peak 77.5% (February 2009). The strongest blow finally came in middle of 2009 down to 53% after simultaneous attack to its leaders whom captured for criminal conviction in September 2009, but regained its figure to 71,5% (November 2009) indicated by KPK publicly at the Constitutional Court a record of phone-tapping a conspiracy to set down two KPK leaders by a corrupt mafia.  However, the percentage fell down to 54.5% (April 2010 and June 2010), after publication of trial verdict on Antasari Azhar, former chief of KPK suspect of a plot-murder, and the unfinished investigation of Century Case. In terms of duties carried-out, under the Law Number 30 Year 2002, KPK must fail to achieve public satisfaction. KPK’ five primer duties and none of them can achieve more than 40% satisfaction as shown by the figure to carry its duty to monitor governance action is of 39.5%, duty to search and investigate 39.1%, duty to prosecute corruption perpetrator 37.7%, duty to prevent corruption 38.9, and Duty to coordinate with Police and General Attorney is only 36.4%. Public’s satisfaction always fluctuated if they are being asked their satisfaction on execution of KPK duties. The poll shows satisfaction never reach 44% (June 2008) then up to 61,4% in February 2009, but decreased to 51.9% (September 2009), raised again to 59.9% (November 2009) and down to 43.6% (June 2010). As an ad-hoc institution, KPK is not a single fighter, because KPK’ working mechanism must also coordinates with Police and General Attorney and other institutions in eradicating corruption to create good corporate governance. All reports from public are gathered, selected, and will be determined which information will be taken care by KPK or other institutions. Until 2008, the reports have reached 8,699 reports, but only 95 reports were seriously proceeded by other institutions other than KPK, a decrease of 90% of classification of information to be given and being proceeded by other institution out from KPK’ data as recorded from KPK annual report book 2004-2009. A contrary to what KPK has done, the proceeded increased from 27 to 812 reports at the same period 2004-2009 handled by KPK. The next is issue with morality, following three of KPK leaders are troubled with legal disputes, public now demand various requirements to all upcoming candidates. Public mostly believe that moral integrity is vital (80%), and consider legal knowledge are not so important (only 9%). However, public still believe that people with legal expertise is the most suitable (48.6%) to lead KPK. Others background deemed suitable for the position are clergy (17.8%) and academician (10.6%).

[April 2010]

Amnesty Calls for Migrant Worker Protection in Malaysia. The calls for Malaysian government are of the facts found by the Amnesty International, that migrant workers are misleaded and cheated by the Malaysian employers and its agents for good work and high salary, in order to evade poverty, a fact far from reality for they being tortured and exploited. Workers found their working condition deemed as labor exploitation. In the report called “Trapped- The Exploitation of Migrant Workers in Malaysia”, further details that Malaysia highly depends on the migrant workers from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar, Filipina and Vietnam, to work at sectors such as construction site, factory, restaurant, domestic working, oil-palm plantation and other job which avoided by local workers. However, the employers’ treatment are far from equal, such as improper salary, unsafe working condition, illegal detention and extortion by Malaysian officer with criminal –like approach. The report by the Director of Policy, Michael Bochenek, documented a wide exploitation in Malaysia, in every sector of works, and no effective inspection system in working area and no effective compensation given to workers for their individual claims. The report is based on more than 200 workers (legal or illegal) in July 2009. The report also urge Malaysia Government to upgrade inspection on working places and conduct judicial process upon the migrant abuse, since they fail to serve their responsibility to prevent violation, including exploitation, enforced work, and human trafficking. However as usual, the Malaysian denied the facts, where later then Amnesty found that Malaysian officers often misuse their authority by arresting migrant workers, make a trick on the workers by searching documents, just to end up with forcing the workers to give them some money. Indonesia has earlier responded by not sending any migrant workers since June 2009 until present.

[March 2010]

Modern retail market dominates in Jakarta. The fast-growing market has beaten traditional market in Jakarta by number. Modern retail market is addressed to mini-market, supermarket, department store, convenience store, and hypermarket. While traditional market is mostly known as market in traditional way, multiple seller spread in one area and sell different kind of goods. The figure shows that during the period of 2005-2008, the increase of the modern retail market is at 117% (from 1.014 units to 2.196 units), while traditional market has not build any market (zero percentage number). Among the development of modern retail market in Indonesia, mini-market has shown extraordinary number, as shown by a research for a period from 2003-2008. The figure shows growth 2,058 units to 7,301 units - 254% increase (for minimarket), and (54 units to 135 units - 150%) for Hypermarket , respectively. In terms of area, modern retail market mostly operated in West Java province, with Jakarta in the second position. Both then combines in an area called Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Tangerang-Bekasi – Jakarta and its satellites (“Jabodetabek”) as the central of modern retail market spread. Hypermarket remain the largest in Jakarta (represents 1/4 in Indonesia). Jakarta to Jabodetabek comparisons chart shows that, mini-market 1.841 units of 4.939 (37.3%), supermarket 200 of 336 (59.5%), department store 120 of 217 (55.3%), hypermarket 35 of 70 (50%). While the figure for the whole modern retail markets Jakarta to Indonesia represents mini-market 25.4%, supermarket 17.4%, department store 19.3%, and hypermarket 25.3%. The figure for traditional markets in Jakarta per 2008 are 151 units, spread in West Jakarta 27 units, North Jakarta 23, Central-Jakarta 39, East Jakarta 33, and South Jakarta 29. Total of stalls spread in the 151 units traditional market are 98,705 units. Total average visitors in the traditional markets in Jakarta each day are 2 million people.

Medicine Cartel under KPPU Invesigation. The 2 months preliminary examination investigation by the Indonesian Anti Trust Auditor Commission (“KPPU”) is on allegation conducted by several business entities of pharmacies that lead to anti trust. The findings indicated of phenomena of industrial concentration and high price of particular medicine types. KPPU monitoring particularly conducted on therapeutic class, after patent right of the originator medicine has expired. The allegation raised based on the consideration that pharmaceutical industry as strategic sector to national economic due to its domestic market-development potency. Type of allegedly medicine cartel are amplodipine class, consist of Amdixal (Sandoz), Divask (Kalbefarma), Norvask (PT Pf), Tensivask (PT DM) with market concentration 55.8% in PT. Pf and 30% in PT. DM, and concentration ratio (CR4) for 93%. Amlodipine product is medicine that contains dihydropiridine derivative calcium-channel blockers which specifically used for cardiovascular related-disease and expire its patent period in 2007. Price of two primary brands for amlodipine class, Norvask and Tensivask, are far above their generic medicine. In respect of preliminary examination, KPPU has scheduled examination agenda addressed to Respondent I (PT. Pf) in 8 March and Respondent II (PT. DM) in 9 March.

Police Monitoring Weakness. Police duty performance is being complained by people for being contradictive with the rules and the need of justice. Complaints received by National Police Commission (“Kompolnas”) increased significantly from 2007 to 2009, from 597 complaints, 344 then 1.446, respectively. From 1.466, the complaints mostly related to poor service (1.151 claims), abuse of authority (239 claims), discrimination (48 claims), discretion (20), and corruption (8 claims). Poor service is related to prolonging cancellation of case, not willing to accept case, or not reporting case progress. Abuse of authority is related to oppression by police, wrongful arrest, wrongful detention, or wrongful search. Corruption is related to operational budget usage and possessing illegal wealth by the police. Discrimination occurred in giving privilege to particular person or case and abiding the poor. Wrong discretion occurred when police intentionally directing a non-criminal case to be measured by criminal procedure. Investigator unit is the most frequently reported in that claims (1.386), followed by traffic police (13), rookie (1), and other units (66). Bribery culture to higher authority resulted on several crime set-up conducted by the police, said Adnan Pandu Praja, member of Kompolnas. Police members are forced to ‘voluntarily’ provide money to higher ranking-officer, such money are indirectly ‘paid’ through criminal set up of persons, then accused the victim for committing crime, and black-mailed them to give amount of money for their freedom. Weakness in external monitoring, exercised by Kompolnas and internal monitoring by Security and Profession Division (“Propam”), leads to this problem, as indicated by three major issues, such as: (1) Claims from public to Kompolnas which directed to regional police monitoring inspectorate, is directed again to local police chief. Thus, any claims wouldn’t be continued by investigation, but only answered by the chief, (2) Misunderstanding concept of independency when Propam investigation towards investigator officer’s violation is considered as intervention of duty by investigator unit, and (3) Esprit des corps, misunderstanding where every officer misdemeanor shall automatically be regarded as spoiling police chief’s reputation. Hence, all violations will be kept to protect chief reputation.

[February 2010]

17 Indonesian Public Universities ranked as 100 South East Asia’ Webomatrics Best Universities. The 17 state-owned universities together with other 5 Indonesian private universities are led by the Gadjah Mada University in the 8^th position, followed by other public universities namely, Bandung Institute of Technology (10), University of Indonesia (17), Universitas Negeri Malang (28), Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (31), Universitas Negeri Surakarta (43), Airlangga University (45), Brawijaya University (58), Diponegoro University (59), Bogor Institue of Agriculture (61), Padjadjaran University (65), Indonesia Education University (67), Sriwijaya University (70), Lampung University (85), STT Telkom (86) and Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (100). While the privae universities are Universitas Kristen Petra (19), Universitas Gunadarma (24), Universitas Islam Indonesia (74), Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (76) and STMIK Amikom (81). The first to three positions is given to the National University of Singapore, followed by Kasetsart University Thailand, and Prince of Songkla University Thailand. Webometrics affiliate with Spanish National Research Council, releases such list every January and July, annually.
 

Poll on People’s Response to Law Enforcement in Indonesia. Law enforcement in Indonesia is perceived as slightly fails to assure justice to the people. The general perception shows that 64,5% percent are unsatisfied, followed by 31,9% for satisfied and 3,6% abstain. Indeed, from all of three law enforcement institutions: Police, General Attorney, and Court, the percentage  showing people dissatisfaction on justice needs are no lower than 85% as to compare to their satisfactions reaches 8.9% (Police), 8.2% (General Attorney), and 9.9% (Court). This poll also indicates what type of crime and in what level the unfairness occurred. The Poll categorizes the unfairness into the types of crimes: economic crime (corruption), political crime, and general crime, as the three are related into criminal justice procedure: investigation, court decision, and verdict execution. In economic crime, 60.5% stated that unfairness occurred in investigation, 66.6% in court decision, and 66.6% in verdict execution. In political crime, the figure is 66.6%-66.4%-65.7% and in general crime 50.7%-53.9%-55.2%. The Poll shows the image of three institutions (Police, General Attorney, and Court) within the last five years, Police was gained national respect in June 2006 and September 2009, the time when Police succeeded in terminating terrorist fugitives. All three institutions also gain national respect in September 2009. But as a respond to the bribery case assisted by an Indonesian-Chinese businessmen Anggodo Widjojo  towards a number of government legal officers, where phone  taping record was played in Constitution Court’s session, the image for the three institutions were declined and still declining until this poll was conducted.  Some part of this poll was held by one of national newspaper in Indonesia area, 9-10 February 2010, with 838 respondents with minimum age 17 years old, and also combined the data achieved from periodically poll conducted since 2005 until February 2010. The respondent for this poll are citizens in nine Indonesian major cities, shall however do not represent national perception over the poll.

CMC: 70% Candidates of Judges for Anti Corruption Court Are Not Recommended. The Indonesian Court Monitoring Coalition – CMC and the Coalition concerns are related to the un-transparent of the recruitment and selection process for the above matter. In spite of guarded by a number of the Coalition (the Indonesian Corruption Watch - ICW, Indonesian Transparency Society – MTI and the Indonesian Center of Law and Policy Study), the Judicial Court has set its own qualification, which do not put on priority candidate’ skill and competency, integrity and clean track record, proper wealth, not affiliated with political party, and no direct interaction with corruptors. The Coalition found that among 79 candidates, 55 are not recommended since they do not pass the above Coalition’s proposed requirements.

[January 2010]

KPPU: 8 Indonesian Companies Suspected for Cement Cartel Pricing. The 8 cement companies are Holcim Indonesia, Semen Andalas Indonesia, Semen Padang, Semen Baturaja, Indo Semen Tunggal Perkasa, Semen Gresik, Semen Tonasa, and Semen Bosowa. The said indication was the initial findings by the Indonesian Anti Monopoly Commission (“KPPU”), which was seen by two companies raising its prices at the same structural level, a finding almost the same as previous investigation where the companies deliberately set up prices through idle of production at the factory. The practices caused price increase as a respond to increase of demand as the supply are limited, a practice since 2006 until today. The 8 companies production reached 56 million tonnes, while the consumption only 35 million, where the idle production capacity was approximately 21 million, the together set up a uniform prices, even higher when the coal prices gone down in the market. Coal is used as main energy in the factory. Such practices breached Law 5 year 2009 on Cartel.

[December 2009]

Poll of Indonesian Human Rights Practices. For over six decades, Indonesia has acknowledged Human Rights in its Constitutions, and as a consequence of a number of UN Human Rights Convention, Indonesian Government has ratified a number of UN Human Rights-related Conventions, namely the Convention on elimination of Race Discrimination 1965 in 1999, Convention on Civil Rights and Politics 1966 (in 2005), Convention Economy, Social and Culture 1966 (2005), Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Woman 1979 (1984), Convention Against Torture 1984 (1998), Convention on Rights of Child 1989 (1990) and Convention on Protection for Migrant Workers 1990 (in progress). For the level of people’ satisfaction over the government performances in various area of life towards the people of Indonesia (with 230 million population spread into 13,000 island with 450 different dialogues and 60 different major tribes in 33 provinces with 30 different political parties), respondents are posed with choices of satisfied, unsatisfied, and abstain. The lowest is for equality before the law with 16,1% (for satisfied), 81,6% (for unsatisfied) and 2,3% (for abstain), while the next lower figure is for proper  job (21,9%-77,3%-0,8%), proper education (35,3-63,5-1,0), proper housing (36,4-61,4-2,2), proper health (40,0-59,2-0,8), proper security (40,5-57,1-2,4), adequate freedom to unite (43,5-44,5-12,0), proper food (45,7-53,2-1,1). However, the Indonesian people has its reward of satisfaction for the freedom to express and to speak (59,5-36,6-3,9) and the freedom of faith and religion 79,5-18,7-1,8). In particular questions, respondents are posed to their current jobs, where the figure shows unsatisfactory of 89,6% from unlawful termination possibilities, 84,6% for their work protection on contractual basis, 83,5% for their current wage and, 70,9% from unlawful action by big corporations. A better figure is of school termination, where the last 5 years remain below 5% annually (2003/04-2004/05-2005/06-2006/07-2007/08) for those at the elementary to high school thanks to the government 20% of its annual national budget education program, except those at university level increased significantly from 5%-7,5%-12,5%-12,5%-18%, respectively. The current Poll in respond to the Human Rights Day 12 December 2009 in Indonesia, was held a national circulation newspaper with 814 respondents with minimum age of 17 years, at 10 big cities on proportional basis, shall however do not represent the national perception.

[November 2009]

Poll on Reformation of Law Institutions and Law Public Officers. The poll was held by a national circulation newspaper earlier November 2009, at four subjects. The first is of the public opinion towards the general performances of 3 Law Institutions, namely the Police, Public Attorney and Ministry of Justice, where public are in general satisfied of the task-handling performance of the police at 32,6%, the Public Attorney at 24,3% and Ministry of Justice at 27,2%, but more are not satisfied at 65,4%- 69,3%-62,3% and abstain 2,0%-6,4%-10,5%, respectively. Further, public are of the opinion toward the Police performance in handling crimes (57,0% are satisfied, 42,3% not satisfied, and 0,7% abstain), in drugs extermination (66,2%, 33,2% and 0,6%), in combating  terrorism (84,2%, 14,9% and 0,9%), then in eliminating corruption-collusion and nepotism (26,4%, 71,0% and 2,6%), respectively. In particular, public also has its image toward policemen, a significant increase and decrease chart of 0 (very low) to 80 (good) scale over the last 9 years from 2001 to 2009, as it shows good images (40-25-42-37-55-52-49-46-45-42),  bad (50-65-47-55-35-45-46-50-55),  while abstain remain stable below 10 scale, respectively. Lastly, is the poll of public perception of a better or worst institution performance towards the Public Attorney over the last 11 years (since the reformation 1998), where 32,8% sees it is better, 14,2% says it remain good, 22,4% says remain bad, 24,2 for worse and 6,4% abstain, while for the police institution its says 43,9%-13,2%-19,6%-22,2%-1,1%, respectively. The poll held by the R&D of the said newspaper on 10-12 November 2009 out of 823 randomed respondents of minimum age of 17 at 10 big cities in Indonesia, shall however do not represent national  perception over the poll.

[September 2009]

Increase of Public Satisfaction Level on Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’ Administrator Performances; The survey by Lembaga Survei Indonesia (LSI) on 18-28 July 2009, was held randomly to 1.270 respondents all around Indonesia. On the national security and public order issues, only 55% respondent gave positive response (July 2009), as to compare to 67% (May 2009), which may caused by the bombing incident 17 July 2009. On the Economics and educations issues, there is an increase to 59% (July 2009) as to compare to 29% (September 2008). On the war against corruption, 84% (July 2009) are satisfied as to compare to  only 45% (September 2007), and particular 84%. respondents agreed that the government is capable on eradicating corruption. In general, 85% of the public are satisfied with SBY’s performance as president, while only 63% satisfy with Jusuf Kalla (JK) performances as Vice President.

Public are satisfied with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’ performance as President of the Republic of Indonesia. Based on the survey conduct by Indo Barometer, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY)’s performances are even better then the performances of vice president, Jusuf Kalla (JK) and the parliament. In general, the public satisfaction reaches 90.4%, while for JK is 67%. Meanwhile, the satisfaction for the parliament performance on 2004-2009 periods reaches 51.4%. Public are satisfied with SBY’s performance on politics and law enforcement sectors, as his policies on these sectors considered better then the previous administrator. The public satisfaction on politics policy reach 88.9%, 88% for law enforcement, 85.4% in social sector, 81,9% in security, 78,8% for foreign affairs, and 76.2% for economy.

[August 2009]

Poll on Nationalism. In its 64th independence anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, statehood and patriotism remain relevant in the Indonesia history. A national circulation newspaper held its poll over nationalism to 845 Indonesian respondents age of 17 at most big cities all over Indonesia, where it is found that nationalism has been increased significantly to 83,6% in 2009 as to compare to 68,1% (2008s), 65,9% (2007), 67,0% (2006), 76,5% (2005) and 94,1% (2004). interestingly, nationalism remain strong be it for people living in the most populous island of Java at 54,9% , while outside Java is a bit stronger of 55,0%. In response to recent various social situation in Indonesia, respondents are aware that solidarity remain strong (34,1%), weaken (60,7%), tolerance of races is still strong (50,5%) but also weaken (42,9%), but the good news is that tolerance of  different religion remain strong (57,1%), but also weak (37,1%). The recent political turbulances, economy downturn and terror attacks however in turn creates more social bound to Indonesians, as the pride being Indonesia as one nation remain unbreakable from time to time.

[June 2009]

Corruption Survey at the Indonesian Parliament and Judicial Insitution: Transparency International Indonesia (TII). The TII Survey on behalf of Gallup International placed both the above Indonesian institutions as the most corrupt Institution. The Survey was held in between 11-20 November 2008 with 500 respondents on the age of 16 and above, where 300 of the respondents are in Jakarta while the rest are in Surabaya. This survey was also held in 69 countries. The object in this survey are political parties, public services, Parliament, private sector, judicial institution, and media. Score 1 are given to the institution without corruption and 5 are given to the most corrupt institution. The survey results are: Parliament (4.4), judicial institution (4.1), political party and public service (4.0), private sector (3.2), and the last one media (2.3). The parliament score is up 0.3 from 2007, while the judicial institution score remain steady.

[May 2009]

Jakarta and West Java are on the Top List the Most Corrupted Provinces. The research conduct by Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) based on the data from the Attorney General Office - AGO, the Indonesian Finance Supervisory Body- BPK, media, and public report, in 2008 there were 275 corruption cases found in 9 provinces, with potential Rp. 18,72 billion state loss. Those nine provinces are Jakarta, Banten, West Java (both next to Jakarta), Central Celebes, West Sumatra, Central Java, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara. The corruption cases are mostly in the government sector (111 cases), in infrastructure sector (50 cases), and education sector (36 cases). From an institution side, the executive is the most corrupted with 275 cases, private company (27), and legislative (17). Actors on the corruption cases mostly are the executive (403 persons), legislative body (127), and private company (122). The biggest state loss potential are in the banking sector (Rp. 9.49 billion), government sector (Rp. 2.9 billion), and infrastructure (Rp. 1.1 billion). The biggest state loss is Rp. 9 billion from the central bank, Rp. 8.5 billion from the executive, and Rp. 572 billion from the state enterprise.

[March 2009]

Government Departments Slashed Down: A  Suggestion. The suggestion is based on the incomparable and inefficient of state budget to its outcome, performance and result of the said departments, such as the Department of Women Empowerment. The said department is perceived as very low and useless. In most developed countries, there are less than 20 departments only, where in Indonesia reached total 34 Ministries (of 21 Departments, 10 Coordinating Ministries and 3 State Ministries). The over capacity of departments and ministries are also seen merely as power consensus between political parties and the incumbent to maintain their existence and political presence. As part of the idea, the minister Government Officer Empowerment also emphasize to change the structure but most importantly is to change the mindset of the government officer from being the 'power holder' into 'people servant', from 'the authority' to 'take the role'.

Legal Notes: Since the power shift of reformation in 1998, numerous attempt to change the mindset of government officers has been implemented, from compulsory of annual wealth report, taxation, fair and transparent recruitment, merit systems, to signing of pact of integrity, but only small progress been made. So far, a number department since 2004 has been a pilot project where success implementation has find its result trough fair, competitive, and transparent recruitment at the Central Bank, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Finance, KPK, the Judicial Committee, and the Constitutional Court. The said institutions has outperformed other departments, where the qualified, the best and the brightest staffs are those who took the seat, and enjoyed better salaries and privileges, including the pride of the right attitude to serve and to work hard. Most importantly are their willing to listen and to act.

[February 2009]

Department of Education to Provide  5,500 Master Degree Scholarship for Lecturers. The competitive 5,500 seats are aimed at lecturers at all universities in Indonesia, where half of total 155,000 lecturers hold bachelor degree only. The figure at the department of education, those bachelor degree lecturers 65% are at the private universities, and 35% at public universities. The Law of Teacher and Lecturers 14 year 2005 stipulate that both are categorized into professions, and to be a qualified as lecturer, lecturers must meet the qualification both to pass national exam certification (leading to professional licenses) and a minimum qualification to hold a master degree to teach at bachelor degree.

[January 2009]

Rp.23.5 million per Anti Corruption Case Legal Settlement in KPK. Chairman of the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) stated that, the said average amount is needed by commission to solve one case from investigation to rulings, each. Until today KPK has used Rp.1 Billion out of Rp.9 billion of available fund. The information is released to respond the General Attorney statement, which stated that KPK used Rp.400 million for their operational fund, meanwhile attorney office only used Rp.15 million. KPK so far in the year 2008, KPK finalized 70 investigations, 47 examinations, 39 prosecutions and 41 executions.

Polls: Police Bribed Frequently, Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Will Supervise Police Department. Police Department stands in the first place as the most-bribed institution according Transparency International Indonesia (TII) polling verse. KPK Deputy Director on Actions Division further said that KPK will immediately enter the domain of Police Department to supervise it. The TII survey on 15 Government institutions has put Police Department in the 1^st rank, which out of 1.218 respondents, 48 percent businessman admit that they have ever bribe a police. The Customs Office is in the 2^nd place. 41 percent from 423 respondents admit that they have ever blackmailed by the Customs Office. The total amount of those blackmail money from this institution have reaches Rp 327 million. In the next position in a row there is Immigration Office, Highway and Traffic Department (DLLAJR), City Administrator, National Defense, and PERLINDO. The most interesting case is the Justice Institution. Even though there are only 30 percent from 204 respondents admiting that they have ever blackmailed by this institution, but the total amount of this blackmail money is fantastic, reaching Rp 102, 4 million. KPK gave its appreciation for survey conducted by TII on public service, which is line with 2009 KPK’s priority to emphasize on the public services. KPK will utilize the TII survey, where the survey shows community perception on public services. 

State Funds Are Saved from Corruption. For the last couple of years many corruption case has been taken care by Indonesia state legal officers, namely Indonesian Police Office (Polri), Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), and public prosecutor (AGO). In year 2004 corruption case handled by those three legal institutes which was in investigation level are 311 cases (Police Office), 523 cases (Public Prosecutor) and 2 cases (KPK). In 2005 the figure is 215, 546 and 12, respectively. The figure for 2006 was increasing, as much as 225, 588 and 26 respectively. In 2007 there is a decrease down to 155, 636 and 23 cases. While the figure until November 2008 is 189, 850 and 47 cases. Most corruptor finally ends up in prison including paying fines and returning the  corrupted money. According to the latest survey, for the last 4 years there are a lot of state fund were saved by the amount of Rp. 859.762.538.773 (from Polri), Rp.8.001.138.805.489 (from the AGO) and Rp.476.456.872.901 (from KPK). The details of the amount of money from those three legal institutions, from cases which already legal binding is as much as USD 18.000.000 (AGO) and Rp. 476.456.872.901 (KPK). At the investigation level, state budget which were return are Rp. 859.762.538.773 (Polri) and Rp.2.933.978.848.169,78 (AGO). As much as Rp.139.882.439.209 has been return by the AGO from the expropriation. However, the number remain questionable, where most people believe that KPK has done far and much better than two other institutions.

[December 2008]

Malaysians still Contribute High Crime Against Humanity towards Indonesian Domestic Workers in Malaysia. According to the Indonesian Consulate Offices and Embassy in Malaysia, the data shows that most cases occurred and complained by Indonesian domestic workers by their Malaysian employers, are the unpaid salaries by the Malaysians mostly in Kuala Lumpur with 235 cases in 2008, where the figure decreased than 2007 (231) but worst in 2006 (310). In the last three years back, the statistic shows that other problems explained by the Indonesian workers are that the works are too hard, with figure of 34 complains in 2008, 87 (2007) and 97 (2006). Fraud by the employers are 33 cases (2008), 51 (2007) and 56 (2006), dismissal 10-39-22, for 3 years back respectively; no working adjustment 0-123-153, tortured by the employer 42-106-141, abandoned 8-17-14, below age trafficked 36-19-20. The new crimes in 2008 committed by Malaysians also shown as, employing them as prostitutes 22), employing them for two mistress 11.

Poll: Public Service and Public Safety in Jakarta. The majority of respondent stated that compared to other public services, security services is still disappointing. The citizens of Jakarta admitted extra precaution remain needed in public places, such as bus stop, train station, harbor and highway. According to October 2008 statistics, crimes committed reached 40.124 cases. The major causes to these are the limited of human resources availability, in spite of life pressure socially or economically, triggered by the violence as  shown on television. 77% of respondent see that, bus station is one of the place extremely dangerous for crime, followed by airport (85.0%), traditional market (66.5%), highway (49.9%), train station (40.4%), harbor (37.1%) and house and its surroundings (89.9%). Other polls on public services shows significant quality progress, where citizen found no hassle in obtaining or renewing their Identity  Card at the local government institutions, as to compare to 10 years ago in 1998. The figure shows 22 % in 2008 compared to 40% (1998) of respondent are compelled to utilize  agents to do so, causing them extra expenses, the same figure applied in obtaining driving license and car registration (20% in 2008 to 58% in 1998). Both quality of services also gained positive responses for ID card from 58% compared to 29% in 1998, for driving license, the service is 60% better compared to 52% in 1998.

Police Officer Committed to Crime, increased by 17%. The statistics shows the figure is 6.610 (2008) an increase of 17% from 5.436 (2007), according to the Head of Profession Division and Security of Police Center Station in Jakarta. The types of crime mostly are misuse of authority and leaving duty area without permit. The full figure shows that in 2007, violations committed are by 4 high rank police officers, 147 senior police officers, 561 junior police officers, 4.648 second year officer, 33 freshmen and 48 government officials. Compared to 2008, the figures are 122, 610, 5.767, 41 and 25, respectively. On a provincial basis, the big 5 rank for violations in 2007 are North Sumatra, East Java, West Java, Lampung and South East of Sulawesi. For the year 2008 are West Java, Middle Java, Jogjakarta, East Java, and South Sulawesi. Besides discipline violation, the variants includes late for office, and uniform tidiness, where the figure in are 12.776 cases (2007) and 39.751 cases (2008).

[November 2008]

Poll: Mapping Out-New Voters. The presidential and legislative election 2009 is ripe, as shown by positive response by new voters, where it appears most of 86.4% will vote. However, a decrease of 5% is shown by age 22-29 years and 30-40 group of age. A worst figure of 79,3% are also shown by the group of age more than 41 years old. From all group of ages, only 1.5% of respondent knew almost all existed political parties, this is mainly because of poor socialization by new parties. The main reasons to vote by the new voters are mapped as: fulfilling their obligation as an citizen (67.4%), winning one of the political party (11.8%), a new experience (9%), just for fun (0.9%), etc. If the legislative election is held today, as much as 33.9% new voters are not yet decided which political party they shall choose. Furthermore, as much as 49% of respondents of new voter will choose big parties such as Golkar Party, Democrat Party, PDIP, and PKS. New voters are easily influenced by sort of interests such as parents, friends, relative, neighbors, mass media (60-67%), poster or brochure and internet (0.5-2%). According to respondents, programs that needs to be developed to attract them, are more on education and health (30.8%), prosperity (21.3%), and economy issues (13.1%).

[October 2008]

Poll of 48 Months of SBY Administration. The Poll was held by a national circulation newspaper in mid October, where the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono administration image remain high at 65% compared to 47,8% in his 45 months administration. The indicators are as viewed by its 67% respondents’ satisfactory, such as in economy increased significantly from 31.1% Iin 45 months) to 46,8% (in 48 months), social welfare increased from 42,6% to 55,5%, politics increased to 57,3%, law enforcement remain stable at 49%. Decrease are of politics and security down from 57,3% to 39,7% in spite of the increase of SBY’s popularity to 81,4%, where respondents perceived his administration image remain excellent. At least half of the respondents of 54,5% are in favor to re-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for next term President of Indonesia, if the election is held today.

[August 2008]

Poll: KPK Performance for Corruption Extermination The poll published by a national circulation newspaper was held by an NGO - the Indonesian Corruption Watch-ICW. According to ICW, the first 5 years (2002-2007) 59 persons were brought to the anti corruption court from various professions, such as senior government officers (22 persons), member of the Commissions and Secretary General (12), businessmen (10), Governors/Majors (5), staffs of the Supreme Court (5), ex-Ministers (2), lawyers (2) and public attorneys (1). On the amount of state loss-handled, 30 cases involving state loss of Rp1billion to Rp20 billion, null/void loss (20 cases), over Rp100 billion loss (5 cases), Rp61 billion to 80 billion loss (3 cases) and Rp21 billion to Rp40 billion loss (2 cases). On a sectoral basis (December 2007 to Juli 2008), the government officer or the executive are at the most corrupt (6 persons), followed by the legislative (6), private entities (4), banking (3), state enterprises/state commissions/public attorney (each 1). The government has also provided at least 6 laws since 1999, to fully support KPK moves, including the right to eavesdrop/ tapping phone lines of a suspect. Also recently, the KPK has publicly announced a new uniform for a corruption suspect during trials/sessions.

Poll: Foreign Investors Control Over Indonesia Economy. The poll held by Setara Institute of 800 respondents age of 17 to 22 in May 2008 shows, that 60,8 percent believe that foreign investors took control the Indonesian economy. The young generation suggested that Indonesia as a nation must take over the control as President Evo Morales of Bolivia did to his country particularly in oil mining. The poll also shows low expectation of 57 percent domestic capability to compete with foreign entrepreneurs, and of 50,7 percent did not agree privatization of potential state enterprises. 56,85 percent respondents also perceive there is an economy draw back in the last 10 years, proven by 76 percent sees development are not for the poor and 60,9 percent believe developments are not in concordance to the Indonesia Constitution in protecting main natural resources and entities for the people' prosperity. In foreign investment, however, an Indonesian economist Chatib Basri from the University of Indonesia argued, that the survey did not meet the review issued by a number of international organization, OECD, IFC, and the world bank who considered Indonesia as a close country for foreign investors due to its updated Investment Law and negative list, ranked Indonesia at 135 out of 170 in open economy index.

[June 2008]

Poll on Indonesian Police Performance. Following the police overreaction, low performance and unprofessional conduct towards students demonstration at a university in Indonesia causing one student death as a result of police' abuse recently, an Indonesian national circulation newspaper held its poll. The public opinion (61,3%) are in the above opinion in general. In particular, the public perception are very low towards police performance in solving crime (57,5%-unsatisfied, 42,2%-satisfied , and 0,2%-abstain), handling terrorism (52,1%-46%-1,9%), handling corruption (74,8%-24,5%-0,7%), Human Rights Violation (74,3%-23,3%-2,4%), cases involving government officers or member of the police (76,9%-21,2%-1,9%), traffic violation (61,5%-37,3%-1,2%), traffic jams (58,4%-41,0%-0,6%). The public only slightly perceive police are capable at handling traffic accident (46,7%-50,71,6%). On the image, the public perceive policemen are bad in reputation (50,6%) against good reputation (46,7%) and abstain (2,7%) in year 2008, a significant reduce from year 2005 (37,2%-55,2% and 9,8%). Year 2005 is the lowest reaching 57,8%.

Poll on President SBY Popularity. The poll held by IndoBarometer at 33 major cities in Indonesia with 1200 respondents, shows that people now are more in favour for Megawati Soekarnoputri  as president if the presidential election is held today (26,1%) rather than President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (19,1%). The poll also shows that Susilo' are less favourable for the second term 2009-2014 (50,6% against 31,3%). the major cause for being infavour is the policy to increase oil prices last May 2008, where previously in June 2007 people have more confident toward Susilo (49,5% against not in favor 33,3%). In respond to the next election in June 2009, people has 10 president candidates (from top to low) Megawati (30,4%), Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (20,7%), Wiranto (9,3%), Sultan Hamengkubuwono (8,8%), Abudrrahman wahid (6,0%), Hidayat Nur Wahid (4,9%), Amien Rasi (4,3%), Prabowo Subianto (1,8%), Sutiyoso (1,3%0 and Yusuf Kalla (1,1%). Of the first three top candidates, it seems that the Indonesian People' choice remain have faith candidates from the army.

[May 2008]

Poll 10 years of Reformation. Another national circulation news papers in Indonesia held its poll by 871 respondents from 6-7 May 2008, shows that generally 75% of respondents shows their great concern over the economy slow down since Reformation 1998. It is the government they blame to cut subsidies for foods, wheat flour, sugar, corn, fish in 1998, and soon to cut subsidy for premium and kerosene. Welfare State in terms of feeding people, lost its meanings when the government fails to secure its people from hunger and unemployment as shown by 50,5% respondents, while 19,7% are for legal supremacy failure and 16,5% for social and welfare failure. Nevertheless, still big numbers of respondents thank reformation for its freedom of speech and to unite. Further, 10 year Reformation 1998 shows positive responses for better security and politics (35,1%), law enforcement (17,7%), social and public access (14,5%), and economy (4,1%). Failure of reformation also shown, where government fails in economy (50,5%), law enforcement (19,7%), social and welfare (16,5%), politics and security (5,4%) and in general (2,1%). Generally respondents find pessimism for a better Indonesia in 5 years ahead (53,6%) pinpointing the unclear of national future plan (66,8%). The 4 amendment of the constitution and the strengthening of public institutions are merely normative, where politicians remain unaware to put great concern over the people. Regional autonomy brought local politics competition, instead of independency and growth for the people.

[April 2008]

Poll of 10 year of Reformation. The poll held by demos, a research institute in human rights and democracy, shows a fundamental change reduce from 74% in 2004 to 66% in 2007 for freedom to embrace religion, language and culture, also a significant reduce from 74% in 2004 to 60% in 2006 for freedom of speech, to unite and to engage into an organization. This is as a result that democracy in Indonesia are viewed in various form, different paradigm of democracy by the people, and also that democracy find it obstacle from economy policies in terms of globalization. Therefore, a new rigid and solid policy in law and government must win over economy policy. However, significant progress is clearly shown by the actions towards new laws and regulations, significant corruption extermination, less abuse of powers by government officials, and the obedience of law by government officials and public officials.

Poll on Government Legal Officers. The poll held earlier in  March 2008 by 867 respondents at 13 major cities in Indonesia shows public disappointment towards legal officers performance these days, where 73,2% perceive no public service are free from corruption by its officers, legal officers in particular. The General Attorney’s Office and Police Institution was receive 95,4% and 73,4% of distrust, respectively. Indonesian Anti Corruption (KPK) also receive 73,4%, following the arrest of its member (a police retiree) for a graft and blackmailing during a corruption investigation by a state enterprise, last February 2008. Again it is the General Attorney Office and Police Institution were those who did not commit to corruption extermination by 84,7% and 81,2% respectively, including the Supreme Court (75,3%), the Court  (82,2%), and KPK (67,2%). Almost half respondents (55,2%) do not trust the commitment to combat corruption in general in contrary to 42,7% who remain in trust. Of the image, General Attorneys good image increase from 29,3% up from 22,3% last year the same period. Even worse, 74,4% respondents distrust the court. It is now the public compel the renewal of new tougher bill of anti corruption, since they perceive the current laws and regulation is good since its inception in 1998, but did not sufficiently implemented. A new credible and accountable legal officer is a must.

Poll on Member of the Parliament. The polls, generally shows significant perception, where 822 respondents (over 17 years of age at 10 big cities) low trust is shown for member' appearance during sessions (24% trust compared to 70,4% distrust), too much travel abroad than being at office (74,2% agree to 22,9% disagree), do not aware for people' criticism (69,2% to 27,4%) and always request additional facilities (agree 75,9%-disagree 22,4%).
 

[January 2008]

39 months of Susilo BY Administration: Decrease of Economy Confidence. The Poll held by a national circulation newspaper on 15-17 January 2008 with 1356 respondents at the age of minimum 17 years at 33 Major Provincial Cities, shows that people are less confident on the government ability to resolve economy downturn. In economy, the poll shows significant decrease of confidence from 77,5% (July 2005) to 64,2% (October 2005) to 49,9% (January 2008). Public dissatisfaction on government control of the hike of prices, increased from 76% (November 2007) to 82% (January 2008). International price hikes of rice, fuel, and kerosene, directly affected the increase of food prices where most people are affected, causing increase of poor people from 35,10 millions (early 2006) to 39,5% (January 2008). These affects SBY administration image decrease from 74,9% (November 2007) to 74,6% (January 2008).