The Alarming State of Corruption in Indonesia

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 140 views

The Alarming State of Corruption in Indonesia

Corruption has become a deeply rooted issue in society, not only in Indonesia but also throughout the world. In Indonesia, corruption has become a serious problem that touches all levels of society, to be considered part of culture. According to a survey conducted by Transparency International, Indonesia occupies a position that is alarming as the most corrupt country in the world. In 2003, Indonesia was sixth in the list of the most corrupt countries, and in 2004, its position deteriorated to be the fifth of the 146 surveyed countries. This assessment shows how deep this problem is in the country's legal and economic system.

A History of Efforts to Prevent Corruption in Indonesia

Since its independence, Indonesia has tried to prevent criminal acts of corruption, starting from the ratification of the Criminal Code (Kuhpidana) through Law No. 1 of 1946. However, the term "corruption" was only discovered in the regulation of the military rulers in 1957. These efforts continued until the birth of Law No. 31 of 1999 concerning Corruption Crimes that have been updated with Law No. 20 of 2001, and Law No. 30 of 2002 which formed the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The establishment of the KPK as an authorized institution in eradicating corruption is a significant step.

The Role of Corporations in Corruption

Corruption is often interpreted as a deviation in the implementation of official tasks that aim to obtain personal benefits, harm state finances, and create social injustice. However, in this context, it is important to note that not only individuals involved in corruption practices, but also corporations. Corruption practices in the corporate environment are often not detected by the law because of the gaps in the applicable regulations. In Law No. 3 of 1971, corporate responsibility for corruption is not clearly regulated. This causes corporations to be able to carry out corruption practices without fear of adequate legal sanctions.

The Importance of Holding Corporations Accountable

With the existence of Law No. 31 of 1999, there is new hope to crack down on corruption perpetrators from the corporation. This law allows corporations to be held accountable for acts of corruption carried out by its management. Even so, it is important to remember that relying on legal regulations alone is not enough. Increasing human resources, especially among law enforcers such as prosecutors, is very important to ensure that efforts to eradicate corruption can be effective.

The Complexity of Corruption: A Multifaceted Issue

The problem of corruption is a complex problem and is closely related to various factors, such as morality, lifestyle, and culture of society. Weak law enforcement often makes corruption difficult to eradicate, especially when the perpetrators have authority and power. Therefore, improving the quality of human resources is an important aspect in efforts to eradicate corruption in Indonesia.

Approaches to Eradicating Corruption

Eradication of corruption can be carried out through two approaches: Penal and non-Penal facilities. Penal facilities focus on applying legal sanctions, while non-Penal facilities use a moral and educational approach. The establishment of the KPK as an authorized institution in eradicating corruption is a significant step. The KPK has the power to take over the investigation of corruption cases that are detrimental to the country above one billion rupiah, as well as coordinating with the police and prosecutors.

International Cooperation in Combating Corruption

The Indonesian government has also signed a world convention on anti-corruption, which provides guarantees for the country to surrender corruption perpetrators who fled abroad. This shows the state's commitment in tackling corruption globally. In the current context, the government under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has placed the eradication of corruption as a top priority. Great hopes are that work programs to eradicate corruption can be carried out effectively and have a positive impact on the people of Indonesia.

Conclusion

With an integrated effort between regulations, law enforcement, and strengthening human resources, it is expected that corruption practices can be minimized and eventually eliminated from the government system and community life. The eradication of corruption requires a multifaceted approach that involves not only the government but also civil society and the private sector. By working together, it is possible to create a corruption-free society that is just and equitable for all.

Recommendations

Strengthening the legal framework: The government should continue to strengthen the legal framework to prevent corruption, including the establishment of a clear and effective anti-corruption law.
Improving law enforcement: The government should improve the quality of law enforcement, including the training and capacity building of law enforcers.
Increasing transparency and accountability: The government should increase transparency and accountability in the public sector, including the disclosure of information and the establishment of a whistleblower protection policy.
Engaging civil society: The government should engage civil society in the fight against corruption, including the establishment of a civil society-led anti-corruption coalition.
Promoting a culture of integrity: The government should promote a culture of integrity in the public sector, including the establishment of a code of conduct for public officials.

Future Directions

The fight against corruption in Indonesia is a long-term effort that requires sustained commitment and resources. The government should continue to prioritize the eradication of corruption and work with civil society and the private sector to achieve this goal. By working together, it is possible to create a corruption-free society that is just and equitable for all.

Q: What is corporate accountability in corruption?

A: Corporate accountability in corruption refers to the responsibility of corporations to prevent and prevent corruption practices within their organizations. This includes ensuring that their employees and agents do not engage in corrupt activities, such as bribery, embezzlement, or other forms of corruption.

Q: Why is corporate accountability in corruption important?

A: Corporate accountability in corruption is important because it helps to prevent corruption and promote transparency and accountability in business practices. When corporations are held accountable for corruption, it sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated and that those who engage in corrupt activities will be punished.

Q: What are some examples of corporate accountability in corruption?

A: Some examples of corporate accountability in corruption include:

Implementing anti-corruption policies and procedures
Conducting regular audits and risk assessments
Providing training and education to employees on anti-corruption practices
Establishing a whistleblower protection policy
Disclosing information about corruption risks and practices in annual reports

Q: How can corporations prevent corruption?

A: Corporations can prevent corruption by:

Implementing a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption
Conducting regular audits and risk assessments
Providing training and education to employees on anti-corruption practices
Establishing a whistleblower protection policy
Disclosing information about corruption risks and practices in annual reports

Q: What are some challenges to corporate accountability in corruption?

A: Some challenges to corporate accountability in corruption include:

Lack of resources and capacity to implement anti-corruption measures
Limited awareness and understanding of anti-corruption practices
Resistance from employees or agents who engage in corrupt activities
Difficulty in detecting and preventing corruption
Limited enforcement of anti-corruption laws and regulations

Q: How can governments support corporate accountability in corruption?

A: Governments can support corporate accountability in corruption by:

Enacting and enforcing anti-corruption laws and regulations
Providing resources and support for corporations to implement anti-corruption measures
Conducting regular audits and risk assessments
Providing training and education to employees on anti-corruption practices
Disclosing information about corruption risks and practices in annual reports

Q: What are some benefits of corporate accountability in corruption?

A: Some benefits of corporate accountability in corruption include:

Reduced risk of corruption and associated costs
Improved reputation and brand image
Increased transparency and accountability
Better governance and decision-making
Improved relationships with stakeholders and investors

Q: How can individuals contribute to corporate accountability in corruption?

A: Individuals can contribute to corporate accountability in corruption by:

Reporting suspected corruption to the relevant authorities
Encouraging corporations to implement anti-corruption measures
Supporting organizations that promote corporate accountability in corruption
Educating themselves and others about anti-corruption practices
Advocating for stronger anti-corruption laws and regulations

Q: What are some resources for learning more about corporate accountability in corruption?

A: Some resources for learning more about corporate accountability in corruption include:

The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Anti-Corruption Guidelines
The World Bank's Anti-Corruption Toolkit
The International Chamber of Commerce's (ICC) Anti-Corruption Guidelines
The Transparency International's (TI) Anti-Corruption Resources