Page 138 - BUKU STRENGTHENING THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY FADLI ZON

As elected representatives of the people, Parliamentarians hold the responsibility to express
people’s will and make sure the policies implemented bring prosperity to the people. In this
respect, combating corruption through parliament is necessary to ensure an environment for
government to introduce better policies for inclusive growth.

Therefore, in this special occasion, there are three points that I would like to discuss. First, the
Parliaments approache in fighting corruption. Second, the role of international parliamentary
networks. Lastly, I would like to explore the current efforts of inter-parliamentarians network in
promoting better policies to create inclusive growth for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Let me start the discussion by highlighting the essential roles of parliaments in fighting
corruption

Parliaments have pivotal role in fighting corruption. As mentioned by political scientist, Michael
Johnston, parliament can help to channel the interests and concerns of civil society into an open
debate, the passing of legislation, and the creation of political will to fight corruption. From this,
there are at least four essential ways in which parliaments can support anti-corruption efforts.

First, as a legislative institution, Parliaments have mandate to create a legal-framework needed
to eradicate corruption. It can establish rules for the ordering of social, political, and economic
activities as well as empowered the government to enforce these rules. In this regard, parliaments
can enact legislation that promotes more transparency, accountability, and participation, along
with ensuring the establishment of strong legal systems for anti-corruption at the national level.

Second, controlling the finance. Parliaments play a primary role in protecting financial integrity.
For example, in almost all countries, one of the significant duties that parliament play is the
adoption and monitoring of the annual state budget, or often referred as the “budget cycle”.
The parliament’s role in the budget cycle includes drafting, legislation, implementation, and
auditing of the state budget, which is central to anti-corruption efforts.

Third, through parliamentary oversight. As representative of the people, parliament has
the mandate to not only set-up the legal framework, but also to oversee its implementation.
Therefore, Parliaments must also provide oversight to hold governments accountable. Such
as, effective participation in the budgetary process, cooperation with audit institutions, and
promoting a media-friendly environment. It can also exercise of parliamentary oversight
through anticorruption commissions

Fourth, representation. Parliament has the duty to ensure that public interest is represented in
the policy-making process. Parliamentarians can make very valuable contributions to create
better policies because they often have more at stake and have a better insight into the needs of
their constituents.

Selected Speeches of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia I 125