A great leader is crucial to stamp out corruption and eradicate other national ills, Nia said here on Friday .
"Corruption is massive that a real big leader dedicated fully to the people's interest is badly needed," she said.
Reports of corruption or corruption suspects being nabbed have been almost routine in the country, but many Indonesians were shocked when Rudi Rubiandini, former deputy minister of energy and mineral resources and chief of the upstream oil and gas regulator (SKK Miga) was arrested caught red handed by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) receiving bribe money last week.
Rudi has been known among Indonesian intellectuals as an academician having strong integrity with the titles of doctor and former professor of one of the country's most reputed and prestigious universities.
Rudi with his case had even made a bigger headline than other suspects in high profile corruption such as Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Andi Alfian Mallarangeng and General Chairman of the ruling Democratic Party Anas Urbaningrum .
"I could hardly believe it. Rudi is a rising star," a leading lawmaker has said.
With Rudi turning out to be a "thief", Indonesians have almost lost confidence in anyone among their leaders, an observer said, adding Rudi had been expected to lead in the drive to clean the corruption infested sector.
Rudi case has especially drawn wide attention as he is the first big man arrested in the oil and gas sector long believed to be infested with corruption untouchable so far.
Nia said corruption has created wider social and economic gap, which will be worse unless a "real big man", stops it.
She said Indonesia with the complexity of its problems does not need a leader boasting only popularity.
"History showed that a real big leader more often emerged from the circles condemned as bandits or dangerous viruses," she said.
She said uncontrolled capitalism has contributed to widespread corruption in the country. (*/DWA)
: Dewa Sudiarta Wiguna
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