Indonesia: July 4, 2002

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 A major problem not yet addressed is corruption in the military. Part of the problem has to do with the fact that the military is partly self-sustaining. Money from the government pays for only part of the defense budget. The military owns hundreds of firms (some illegally) and officers engage in many shady business practices. Moreover, Indonesian troops are the worst paid in Asia (about $62 a month for a private) and have gotten into the habit of stealing or extorting whenever they have the chance. Attempts to reform the military have met with mixed success. Some of the most corrupt generals have been tossed  out, but many corrupt officers and troops remain.