http://www.thejakartapost.com/yesterdaydetail.asp?fileid=20040924.S01
Gamawan Fauzi, pioneering regent Features - September 24, 2004 Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang Although corruption by officials remains at endemic levels throughout the country, one prominent West Sumatran leader is bucking the trend. Solok Regent Gamawan Fauzi has won an award for fighting corruption -- he, along with Forum of Concern for West Sumatra coordinator Saldi Isra, is a recipient of this year's Bung Hatta Anti-Corruption Award. While it is almost impossible to find corruption-free bureaucrats in Indonesia today, let alone public officials striving to rid their agencies of graft, Gamawan Fauzi has become a familiar figure to the West Sumatra community as a straight arrow aiming for good governance and clean government. "What I've done is nothing unusual; it is our prevailing circumstances that are anomalous," Gamawan told The Jakarta Post after winning the award. Born in Solok on November 9, 1957, Gamawan Fauzi graduated from Andalas University Law School, Padang, in 1982, before commencing his civil service career in the West Sumatran provincial administration. His position as chief spokesman at the secretariat of the regional administration led to his election later as regent of Solok for the 1995-2000 term, winning reelection in 2000. While governing the regency, Gamawan Fauzi earned his master's degree in management after postgraduate study at Padang State University, West Sumatra, in 2002. In phases, Gamawan introduced fundamental policies to create good governance in the regency, beginning with one-stop licensing in 2000. Thirty-two licenses, including construction permits, which used to take months to handle at an indeterminate cost, can now be obtained within nine days, with all fees transparent. Licensing services can even be provided by mail at a postage rate of only Rp 2,000 for delivery, yet this postal facility, according to the regent, has not yet been utilized much by the local community. "Regency officials are not allowed to become further involved in the licensing process; I don't serve people coming to my house for licenses and forbid my staff from doing so, he said. >From 2002 onward, he abolished project honorariums, which were paid to regency employees belonging to regional committees, including the regent, although they were permissible under the law. Totaling Rp 14 billion in Solok, the money was enjoyed by only a few. The funds that accrued from the abolished allowances have now been converted into financial support by the regency for all of its 7,000 civil servants -- distributed proportionately according to the position of the personnel concerned. "The decision has deprived me of millions of rupiah in extra income, but it is a fairer distribution and puts a greater priority on the performance of routine civil service duties rather than handling projects," Gamawan said. Subsequently, Gamawan also issued a transparency regulation to prevent executive and legislative officials from getting involved in regional projects. All projects are now based on public proposals brought up through meetings of non-governmental organizations working in collaboration with village-level institutions, but excluding regency offices. All ranks of the regency's personnel are also prohibited from giving donations to any party and receiving contributions in any form while on duty. His strict disciplinary measures have, over the last four years, resulted in the dismissal of eight employees, with 23 others relieved of their posts or demoted. The regent said his policies, which departed from previous rules, had not caused any staff or public complaint: All were based on consensus after prior discussion on their excesses when applied." Gamawan's most advanced step was the signing of the Solok Regency Integrity Pact (PIKS) on November 11, 2003, which was supported by Transparency International Indonesia (TII) and Indonesian Procurement Watch (IPW). Solok has become Indonesia's first regency to sign the integrity pact, which controls the public and private sector in accordance with principles of good governance, with the regional supervisory board as the central control. The Muhammadiyah Islamic educational background of Gamawan's parents considerably influenced his attitude toward life, he said. Dahlan Saleh Dt. Bandaro Basa, his father, was head of the Ministry of Education and Culture's education and public information inspectorate in Mataram from 1956 to 1966, and Sofiah Amin, his mother, was a teacher. "My father strictly instilled in me the importance of religion and worship so that religious values have become my daily guide," Gamawan said, adding that a leader should be the first to account for his deeds in the hereafter. "When I was nominated for the office of regent, I asked for my mother's consent: She told me to ask myself whether I would benefit a lot of people; otherwise I should just leave," he said. Gamawan said his antigraft stance had been limited to only himself before he had assumed the post. "Like a tiny speck (of cleanliness) in the corrupt system, I had no idea of how to effect change in policy until I rose to this position, which has enabled me gradually to transform my administration," noted the father of three, who is also known as something of a bookworm. He acknowledges the difficulty of eradicating corruption in Indonesia and believes it could take 10 years to 15 years to eliminate. It has become firmly entrenched since the New Order regime, and "is now a matter of long-term character rebuilding," he said. The regent, who likes singing, has produced two albums of modern songs in the local Minang language. He has frequently reminded his staff of the need to work honestly, as taught by Islam, and while the opportunity exists, to avoid regretting it later after retirement. He once asked TII activists what could motivate people to shun corruption: patriotism or a stringent system? "We know that our system is lax and the function of religion is, in my view, one of the main driving forces in the fight against corruption," he said. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Berita 2: Salut Pada Komitmen Gamawan * Dugaan Penyimpangan Dilaporkan Oleh Redaksi Jumat, 24-September-2004, 06:37:37 25 klik Padang, Padek-Ketua DPC Gabungan Pengusaha Konstruksi Indonesia (Gapeksindo) Kabupaten Solok, H Syafri Noor Dt Sati menyatakan salut atas kepemimpinan Bupati Solok, H Gamawan Fauzi SH MM yang memiliki semangat anti-Korupsi Kolusi dan Nepotisme (KKN). H Gamawan Fauzi SH MM baru saja mendapat Bung Hatta Award dari Bung Hatta Anti Corruption Watch (BACHA) bersama Saldi Isra SH MPA. "Apalagi beliau baru saja mendapatkan penghargaan atas komitmennya untuk memberantas korupsi dan membangun pemerintahan yang bersih, yakni Bung Hatta Award," ujar Syafri Noor kepada wartawan usai melaporkan beberapa kasus dugaan KKN yang ada di Dinas Kimprasda Kabupaten Solok ke Kejati Sumbar, kemarin. Hanya saja, beberapa dinas belum komit melaksanakan semangat bupati. " Contohnya Pelaksanaan Lelang Pekerjaan Pengadaan dan Pemasangan Pipa PVC 160 MM dan Accessories di Kecamatan Bukitsundi, negara dirugikan sekitar Rp500 juta," papar Syafri. Dikatakannya dalam laporan perihal penyalahgunaan wewenang, nomor 15/PT-PA/VIII/2004 atas nama PT Pincuran Ameh, pelaksanaan pelelangan tidak sesuai dengan pasal 8 UU No 18 Tahun 1999. Keppres Nomor 80 Tahun 2003 dan Kepmen Kimpraswil No 339/KPTS/M/2003 Tanggal 31 Desember 2003. Juga dilaporkan, pelaksanaan lelang kegiatan rehabilitasi jaringan irigasi sebanyak sembilan paket. "Niat baik bupati yang sudah gencar mengkampanyekan anti KKN dijadikan perlindungan sehingga pihak panitia makin keenakan bermain," ujarnya. Sementara itu, di tempat terpisah, Bupati Gamawan Fauzi menyatakan komitmen untuk memberantas KKN dan melaksanakan good governance. "Memang terasa sulit. Pelan-pelan tapi pasti. Persoalan tender ini selalu jadi masalah dan akan dibangun sistem yang akan menutup kemungkinan KKN," ujarnya. Dikatakan Gamawan ketika hadir di Carano Room Harian Pagi Padang Ekspres Rabu (22/9), soal proyek ini sangat sulit. "Rekanan harus komit untuk tidak memberi. Kalau ada yang kedapatan, tentu saja ditindak," tutur Gamawan. Saat ini, Gamawan sudah menjatuhkan sanksi kepada 23 aparaturnya. 10 aparatur ada yang diberhentikan sesuai dengan aturan yang berlaku. Komitmen ini tentu saja harus menjadi kabar petakut bagi aparatur yang melaksanakan tugas. "Bisa dilihat, mana perusahaan yang selalu menang, selalu dapat proyek. Jadi, tindak lanjutnya haruslah membangun sistem yang bersih oleh semua pihak," jelasnya. Akan Diprioritaskan Sementara itu jajaran Kejaksaan Tinggi (Kejati) Sumbar akan menelaah laporan kasus PT Pincuran Ameh, mengenai dugaan penyimpangan pelaksanaan pelelangan. Untuk menentukan apakah kasus tersebut terdapat unsur pidana atau tidak, Kejaksaan akan segera memprioritaskan laporan tersebut, dan menentukan sikap dalam satu minggu. "Setiap laporan yang masuk, akan kami telaah sebelumnya. Untuk mengetahui apakah laporan tersebut memenuhi unsur tindak pidana atau tidak. Telaahan tersebut akan sampai ke meja Jaksa Tinggi, dan kami akan memberikan sikap secepatnya, apakah bisa diteruskan pada operasi intelijen atau tidak, ujar Wakajati Sumbar, RJ Soehandoyo SH kepada koran ini Kamis (23/9) seiring dengan masuknya laporan pengaduan dari Ketua DPC Gabungan Pengusaha Konstruksi Indonesia (Gapeksindo) Kabupaten Solok, H Syafri Noor Dt Sati kepada Kejati Sumbar, Rabu (22/9). Dikatakan Soehandoyo, laporan pengaduan oleh pelapor tersebut mengenai dugaan penyalahgunaan wewenang oleh Panitia Tender dalam menetapkan pemenang lelang. Dalam laporan tersebut, pelaksanaan Lelang Pekerjaan Pengadaan dan Pemasangan Pipa PVC 160 MM dan Accessories di Kecamatan Bukitsundi diduga terjadi persengkongkolan antara Panitia Tender dengan Direktur Perusahaan pemenang lelang, dimana diduga negara dirugikan Rp500 juta. "Dalam laporan nomor 15/PT-PA/VIII/2004 atas nama PT Pincuran Ameh, pelaksanaan pelelangan tidak sesuai dengan pasal 8 UU No 18 Tahun 1999. Keppres Nomor 80 Tahun 2003 dan Kepmen Kimpraswil No 339/KPTS/M/2003 Tanggal 31 Desember 2003. Juga dilaporkan, pelaksanaan lelang kegiatan rehabilitasi jaringan irigasi sebanyak sembilan paket," urainya. Pelapor yang didampingi penasehat hukumnya, Fauzan Zakir SH dan Sutomo SH dari Kantor Hukum Ade Waldemar Partners, juga memohon agar pihak Kejati mengusut kasus tersebut dan berharap membatalkan pemenang lelang Pekerjaan Pengadaan dan Pemasangan Pipa PVC 160 MM dan Accessories serta 9 paket pekerjaan rehabilitasi jaringan Irigasi Besar (NSIASP). Serta mengusut oknum Panitia Tender yang diduga menyalahgunakan wewengan dan diduga merugikan keuangan negara. (hry/vin) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Berita 3: http://www.tempointeractive.com/majalah/jap/law-1.html Leading the Way Several regions have enacted legislation aimed at bringing about clean governance and transparency. But will the central government follow suit? THE Solok district in West Sumatra has been struck by the spirit of reformation. Last year, Solok enacted regulations designed to guarantee clean governance and transparency. The regulations prohibit high-ranking government officials from receiving bribes or `unofficial bonuses' from other parties. "In accordance with these regulations, no person is permitted to receive unofficial funding or bribes. Any person found guilty of involvement in such transactions will face litigation," said Solok Regent, Gamawan Fauzi, commenting on Regional Government Regulation No. 5/2004 on Transparency in Government Coordination and Public Participation. Fauzi is determined in his crusade. Since the regulations were enacted, 38 government officials have been sanctioned—ranging from fines to demotion. "This is the realization of clean governance based on the public interest," explained Fauzi. However, the spirit of reform is not merely a recent phenomenon in Solok. In 2001, regional provisions were enacted prohibiting the regent, deputy regent and regional secretary from becoming involved in the project tender process. Under those provisions, all project tenders were to be supervised by the project leader. These provisions were also incorporated into Regional Government Regulation No. 5/2004. Under this regulation, project contractors are prohibited from meeting with government officials and all payments are made directly to the regional government treasury. "We have eliminated face-to-face meetings in order to eliminate the risk of bribes taking place," explained Fauzi. Any person found guilty of violating this provision faces a maximum penalty of six months in prison or a Rp5 million fine. Fauzi is convinced that the new regulations will be effective in combating governmental bribery. He also vouched that the regulations will stay in effect following his retirement. "The Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) and the public will supervise the [new] regent. Why would the public want to revoke a government policy designed to eliminate corruption?" Fauzi assured. In the meantime, the Solok Regional Government is faced with the arduous task of socializing the legislation. This process involves explaining the legislation to the wider public. According to former Solok DPRD Speaker, Saaduddin, members of the DPRD will carry out a hands-on socialization process at the district and village levels. "We have invited members of the public and social organizations to our board meetings," said Saasusin, who recently retired from his position. Separately, the Magelang Regional Government in Central Java has also been touched by Solok's spirit of reform. Six months ago, Magelang enacted similar regulations—Regional Government Regulations on the Public Consultation Mechanism. "The problem with the regions is that these regulations already exist, but they have not been socialized. This obstacle is technical and linked to the limited budget," said Magelang DPRD member representing the National Mandate Party (PAN), Basuki Rachmat. Nevertheless, the Magelang DPRD is optimistic that the socialization process will run smoothly. They have invited people representing various elements in society to study the regulations. "Members of the public, social organizations, public figures, humanitarian organizations and even village communities are all welcome. It is up to them to take the initiative," said Rachmat. Following Solok's lead, the basic principle behind Magelang's regulations is transparency. Pursuant to these regulations, the regional government and the DPRD are obligated to give access to information to all parties who require information. This information can be accessed through the secretariat, the regional government public relations department, or other departments authorized to extend access to information. "Maybe later, information will also be posted on the Internet," Rachmat speculated. Rachmat brushed aside concerns that these regulations might be opposed by government officials, claiming that members of the DPRD and the regional government should not worry about the implications of the regulations, since they should already be clean, transparent and accountable to the public. "This is a necessity. All members of the public should help supervise the work performance of regional government and the DPRD. Hopefully transparency and public accountability will become the cornerstone of serving the public interest," he added. Magelang Regent, Singgih Sanyoto, supported Rachmat's claims. According to him, the government should be accountable to the public. "It is in the public interest that the government is accountable to the people, I hope that the public even becomes involved in supervising project tenders," said Sanyoto. Similar calls for greater government accountability and transparency have swept through the district of Lebak in Banten, West Java. However, Lebak Regent, Mulyadi Jayabaya said that the Banten DPRD initially expressed opposition to the movement. "The regional government regulations that we proposed in February were only approved in June. Indeed, many people are unhappy about the idea of regional government being accountable to the public," said Jayabaya. According to Mulyadi, governmental transparency is non-negotiable. "Transparency is the only way to achieve a clean and just government," he said. The Lebak Regional Government is currently forming a Transparency Commission to supervise application of the Regional Government Regulations on Transparency. "The Transparency Commission will be established following two months of socialization of the regulations," Mulyadi added. Government officials and DPRD members may be inspired by this new wave of reformation, but members of the public remain skeptical about the ability of the regulations to guarantee clean governance. Sobari, a resident of Lebak, expressed skepticism about the recently enacted regulations. "There are already so many supervising commissions in this country, but corruption is still rampant. I hope the Transparency Commission not only provides information, but also has the authority to take action against corrupt officials," he said. In the meantime, the district of Gowa in South Sulawesi has also been consumed by `transparency fever.' In early August, the Gowa DPRD approved the Regional Government Regulations on Transparent Governance. Unfortunately, these regulations have not been socialized, although the Gowa Regional Government has already formulated a plan to socialize the regulations. According to the head of the legal department at the Gowa Regional Government, this socialization process will be carried out using a hands-on approach. "The method will involve holding meetings with public organizations," said Alauddin. Alauddin also explained that the regulations had been copied and stored in the village and district archives in the spirit of transparency. "This will enable members of the public to access the regulations whenever they want," said Alauddin. Alauddin believes that the regional regulations on transparency will become the legal grounds for the public right in gaining access to information. "All information about the governing process and administration of regional funding will be accessible providing it is in the public interest," Alauddin promised. The legislation was formulated by the Gowa DPRD, with the support of the World Bank and other foreign donor organizations. "The Gowa District is one of 15 districts in Indonesia to have been chosen to implement the Initiatives for Local Governance Reform program," explained Alauddin. According to chief of the Special Committee on the Transparency Legislation at the Gowa DPRD, Achmad Bachtiar, the regulations ensure that any governmental implementation of public policy must involve members of the public. "It is no longer justifiable to cover up information which concerns the public interest," he said. Taking the process of formulating the regional budget as an example, Bachtiar said that the public must be asked for input on development priorities and fund allocations. "All projects must be listed in the regional budget. And all projects listed in the budget will be carried out," vouched Bachtiar. Gowa Regent, Hasbullah Djabar, also expressed support for the new regulations. "The Regional Government Regulations on Transparency constitute the legal grounds for the public right to access public information, and will encourage public participation in the public policy making process," said Djabar. In the meantime, Professor Bambang Bintoro Soedjito, a consultant for the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) Regional Development Planning department, supported the wave of reform that has spread throughout the regions. Soedjito now hopes that central government can follow this regional initiative to bring about a clean government. "Central government has been slow to respond to regional demands for a clean government, and will soon be forced to deal with a wave of regional uprising [against corruption]," he said. Soedjito also warned central government from falling too far behind the regions, arguing that any central government programs that conflict with regional government policy will reach stalemate. "Whether they like it or not, central government will be forced to change," Soedjito said. Ahmad Taufik, Irmawati (Makassar), Faidil Akbar (Banten), L.N. Idayanie (Yogyakarta), Febrianti (Padang) ____________________________________________________ Berhenti/mengganti konfigurasi keanggotaan anda, silahkan ke: http://rantaunet.org/palanta-setting ------------------------------------------------------------ Tata Tertib Palanta RantauNet: http://rantaunet.org/palanta-tatatertib ____________________________________________________
