Corruption continues to cast a long shadow over Indonesian society. What should be seen as a serious crime is, in some circles, viewed as an opportunity to gain personal or group enrichment. While many factors contribute to the persistence of corruption, a critical one seems to be the lack of patience and discipline in navigating life’s challenges.
In the past few years, corruption has cost the Indonesian state hundreds of trillions of rupiah. This occurs despite the existence of eight public and non-public institutions tasked with preventing and tackling corruption: the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the National Police, the Attorney General’s Office, the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK), the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the Inspectorate, the media, and civil society organizations.
Given this extensive oversight network, a pressing question arises: Why does corruption persist so strongly, and why have no truly effective methods of prevention or enforcement emerged?
The Need for Clearer Focus and Direction
One core issue lies in the lack of strategic focus from the government, especially in terms of defining anti-corruption priorities. Should the emphasis be placed on financial corruption that drains state funds, or should it center on corruption that poses a threat to national defense and security?
President Joko Widodo and the House of Representatives (DPR) must provide clearer directives and task divisions among enforcement agencies. For instance:
The Attorney General’s Office could be tasked specifically with investigating corruption that harms local government finances.
The National Police could focus on corruption within state-owned and regionally-owned enterprises (BUMN and BUMD).
The KPK should continue to concentrate on corruption within ministries, national agencies, and state-level institutions.
Additionally, a special presidential task force could be established to handle corruption cases that directly endanger national security—an area where swift and unified action is crucial. This special body would work jointly with the KPK, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Police to ensure high-stakes corruption is addressed with urgency and seriousness.
A Threat to National Stability
Unchecked corruption—especially in areas related to defense and security—can spiral into deeper political and social unrest. If left unresolved, these crimes could destabilize the country, weaken public trust, and threaten Indonesia’s democratic institutions.
Is “Eradicating Corruption” Just a Catchphrase?
This brings us to a hard-hitting question: Is the anti-corruption mantra repeated by public officials merely a slogan, or is there genuine political will to fight corruption? If corruption continues to thrive, and no truly effective preventive or enforcement mechanisms emerge, then the public has every reason to question the sincerity of national leadership.
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