Corruption as Extraordinary Crime: President Yudhoyono

Jakarta (Antara) - Corruption is an extraordinary crime that must be uprooted completely, emphasized President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. "Corruption is an extraordinary crime and our common enemy, and I say, I do not compromise with this kind of crime," the president affirmed in his annual state-of-the-nation address on Friday. The Indonesian head of state delivered his state-of-the-nation address in observance of the 69th anniversary of Indonesia's independence before a joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the House of Regional Representatives (DPD). Yudhoyono reiterated that he did not compromise with such a crime, and encouraged and permitted the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to execute its task of combating malpractices. Also, at 2:30 p.m., on Friday, the President is scheduled to deliver the 2015 state budget draft and financial notes to the DPR and DPD. He noted that during the 2004-2012 period, he had signed numerous agreement letters for 176 state officials to be questioned for their involvement in corruption cases. "And from 2004 to 2014, some 277 regional executive and legislative officials had to deal with the KPK," he stated.(*)