Why Corruption Persists in Indonesia

Have you ever wondered why corruption is so difficult to eradicate in our country? Like weeds that grow back shortly after being cut, corrupt practices in Indonesia continue to emerge despite various eradication efforts. Major cases come and go, while the economic and social damage they cause continues to erode the foundation of our nation.

Developing countries like Indonesia face unique challenges in tackling corruption. According to Prof. Susan Rose-Ackerman, a political economy expert from Yale University, "Corruption in developing countries is often systemic because it functions as an alternative mechanism for resource allocation under weak institutional conditions." The question then becomes, why is Indonesia, which has been independent for almost 80 years, still struggling with this problem?

Corruption is not merely deviant individual behavior. It is a complex phenomenon rooted in cultural, political, economic, and institutional dimensions. Let's examine together the various factors that nurture corrupt practices in our homeland.

Is corruption part of Indonesian "culture"? Certainly not. However, some traditional social practices can create openings for modern corruption to flourish. Dr. Koentjaraningrat, a prominent Indonesian anthropologist, once explained that values such as "ewuh pakewuh" (reluctance to offend) and the habit of gift-giving in social relations can be misused in a modern context. Traditional patronage systems emphasizing loyalty and indebtedness have transformed into more dangerous forms when they intersect with modern political power.

"Corruption is an adaptation of traditional values distorted within the modern bureaucratic system," wrote Dr. Syed Hussein Alatas in his classic work "The Sociology of Corruption." This view reminds us that corruption is a product of poorly managed interaction between tradition and modernity.

Have you ever thought that corruption can also be seen as a response to a flawed system? If we trace the footprints of corruption in Indonesia, we will find that it is not only a matter of individual morality but also a structural problem. Prof. Robert Klitgaard, a governance expert from Claremont Graduate University, formulates corruption with a simple mathematical formula: C = M + D - A (Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion - Accountability). This formula explains why sectors with monopolistic power, extensive discretionary authority, and minimal accountability become fertile ground for corrupt practices.

In Indonesia, incomplete bureaucratic reforms mean Klitgaard's formula remains relevant. Many public institutions have monopolistic authority and broad discretion without adequate accountability mechanisms. This situation is exacerbated by uncompetitive salary systems and organizational cultures that tolerate corrupt behavior.

Did you know that politics and corruption often have a symbiotic relationship? In his study on the political economy of corruption, Prof. Mushtaq Khan from SOAS University of London explains that corruption becomes part of the survival strategy of political elites in developing countries. "In countries with immature political institutions, corruption becomes a way to finance political machinery, maintain supporter loyalty, and secure power," he explains.

In Indonesia, the high cost of politics forces many politicians to seek alternative sources of funding—including through corrupt practices. Once elected, they become trapped in a circle of political debt that must be repaid by providing privileged access to supporters. Incomplete reforms of the electoral system and political party funding further exacerbate this condition. Have you ever imagined how much a legislative candidate spends on campaigning? Or how much is spent to win government project tenders?

We were recently shocked by an alleged corruption case involving the CEO of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, Riva Siahaan, who is said to have caused state losses of up to Rp193.7 trillion. This figure is truly fantastic—almost equivalent to 10% of Indonesia's national budget! This case is clear evidence of how corruption in state-owned enterprises is a complex combination of excessive authority, political interests, and weak oversight. As a Pertamina subsidiary managing downstream oil and gas trading business, Pertamina Patra Niaga has access to strategic projects worth trillions of rupiah.

This case demonstrates a classic pattern of corruption in the energy sector, where technical complexity and high project values create room for manipulation. As revealed by energy governance expert Prof. Faisal Basri, "The energy sector is a corruption-prone area because it has characteristics of large transaction values, high technical complexity, and connections to political interests." The Pertamina Patra Niaga scandal should open our eyes that corruption in developing countries like Indonesia is not just a matter of greedy individuals, but a manifestation of a system that allows such practices to persist and develop.

If corruption is a multidimensional problem, its solution must involve a similar approach. Experts agree that anti-corruption efforts require a comprehensive strategy involving institutional reform, strengthening law enforcement, public education, and cultural transformation. Dr. Daniel Kaufmann, former director of the World Bank Institute, emphasizes the importance of a "holistic strategy" in fighting corruption. "It is not enough to rely solely on the stick approach. We also need to build incentives and systems that encourage honest and integrity-based behavior," he explains.

Indonesia has demonstrated commitment through the establishment of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and various legal reforms. However, these efforts need to be strengthened with measures such as bureaucratic reforms focused on professionalism, merit systems, and transparency. Digital transformation in public services is also needed to reduce direct interactions vulnerable to corruption, coupled with anti-corruption education from an early age to form a generation with high integrity. Strengthening the role of civil society in monitoring the use of power and public resources, as well as reforming the political system to reduce politicians' dependence on illegal funding, are non-negotiable steps.

Can Indonesia be free from the trap of corruption? I believe the answer is "yes," although this journey will not be easy or quick. We need strategic patience and consistency in implementing the necessary reforms. As Prof. Amartya Sen, Nobel Prize winner in Economics, said, "Corruption is not an inevitable fate. It is a challenge that can be overcome through collective efforts to build well-functioning institutions and a culture of integrity."

Let us reflect on our respective roles in eradicating corruption. Have we become part of the solution or part of the problem? Great change always begins with small but consistent steps. As citizens, we have the right to demand transparency and accountability from our leaders. However, we also need to start with ourselves by refusing to engage in corrupt practices in our daily lives.

Corruption may have taken deep root in our homeland, but with collective awareness and real action, we can uproot it and plant seeds of integrity for a better Indonesia. Isn't that the Indonesia we dream of together?