Give Heavier Punishment during Pandemic

Social Affairs Minister Juliari Batubara has been detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) over alleged graft in a case involving the distribution of COVID-19 social aid in the Greater Jakarta area.

Kompas/Wawan H Prabowo

Social Affairs Minister  Affairs Juliari P Batubara wearing a vest of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) after undergoing examination by the KPK investigative team at the KPK\'s Red and White House, Kuningan, Jakarta, on Sunday (6/12/2020).

Social Affairs Minister Juliari Batubara has been detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) over alleged graft in a case involving the distribution of COVID-19 social aid in the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) area. Given the high potential for corruption during a pandemic, penalties for corrupt officials need to be heavier.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Corruption in the midst of the pandemic impacts the rights of the poor, who are in trouble due to the socioeconomic impact of Covid-19. Such illicit practices at the same time harm the solidarity of the people who help each other to fight the effects of the disease. Therefore, stronger penalties for perpetrators of corruption need to be considered to suppress crimes at a time when opportunities for graft tend to arise, such as during the current pandemic.