TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) stated that regional autonomy has been the main tool for regional heads to gain private income.
"This is the negative impact of regional autonomy," said KPK chairman Abraham Samad.
The abuse of regional authority mostly occurred in regions known to have abundant natural resources, particularly mining products.
"During the regional head election, one mining area could be bargained to three or four different individuals," he added.
Samad confirmed that regional authorities will be KPK's next target of operation. He stated that the Commission is now collecting data and information.
"According to KPK's research, 50 percent of mining companies did not pay royalties and taxes," he explained.
Samad stated that mining was one of KPK's three main concerns.
"We are focusing on natural resources, food security, and taxation," Samad concluded.
JOKO SEDAYU
