Page 188 - BUKU STRENGTHENING THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY FADLI ZON

Too many countries in the world suffer because of corruption. Their people are excluded from
decision-making process, deprived of their basic rights and economically disadvantaged due to
entrenched corruption. The powerful and corrupt ones are clutching to the power and resources
to sustain their lavish lifestyles while majority of the population left with small portion of
wealth to be shared among them.

What makes it worse: they enjoy it with impunity.

Nearly $1 trillion illicit finances, much of it amassed by those in positions of high authority,
is estimated to leave poor countries each year—money that could help replace shrinking aid
budgets and support the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals instead. Yet, while the
world’s poorest economies are bleeding, the corruptors are hiding their assets, laundering their
money and evading tax. These crimes are enabled by the secrecy of the global financial system.

That is why when the world leaders gathered in the UK for Anti-Corruption Summit in London,
last year, GOPAC is in position to support the development of regime aimed to ending this
secrecy. We have reached many commitments and action pledges during the summit including
the development of beneficial ownership registry in some countries.

Because we believe, in order to eradicate corruption, in order to reduce inequality, an open
regime shall prevail.

Corruption in the state resources drives inequality and widening disparity. Political capture feed
corruption and inequality. GOPAC as an organization solely focus on the issue of corruption
and anti-money laundering believes that through equal opportunity and participation in the
field of politics, social and economy we can reduce the widening gap of inequality.

While we are trying to develop the regime which promotes equality in political participation,
economic opportunity and social activity, embedded under the dream of Agenda 2030: the
SDGs, we need to know how to maximize and utilize our power to use the resources to create
prosperity and welfare for our people.

GOPAC is deeply aware on the pivotal legislative and oversight roles of parliamentarians as
well as its parts scrutinizing budget and advocating the causes of grass-root. It is within such
awareness that we are championing the mainstreaming of SDGs into the work of parliaments
and member of parliaments especially Goal 16 targets of substantially reducing corruption and
bribery and developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

Selected Speeches of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia I 175