Rizal Malik's Blog
My stories, my thoughts, my world.

King is Dead, Long Live the King

I am in Bali for the Conference of State Parties (CoSP) to the UNCAC (UN Convention Against Corruption). We have been here since last week, because we organised Indonesian Civil Society Forum as the preparation for the Conference.

The opening ceremony of the Conference yesterday were taken over by the news of Suharto dead on Sunday. President SBY skipped the conference, he supposed to open this one, and attend Suharto's funeral in Solo. Indonesian CSOs are mad because it shows his lack of commitment to Anti-corruption.

I got a lot of telephone interview on the future of Suharto's stolen asset recovery. Our position is clear: no more impunity on the New Order plunder of the people's money. Now Suharto is already rest in peace (who knows?), but all his children and cronies are still alive and control a huge asset. We have to take it back and return those to the people of Indonesia.

In the opening ceremony, UNODC's Director General asked the audience to stand up and perform a minute of silent. I was reluctant to do that. Out of courtesy, I did stand up. I saw a lot of people, mostly young Indonesian, didn't stand up. I admired their courage, and feel like I am betraying all corruption (and human rights) victims of Indonesia by honouring the Beast.

2008-01-29 08:16:15 GMT

Site Home