The tale of Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission
The recent disclosure linking Firli Bahuri, the chief of an Indonesian anti-corruption agency, to a corruption case, has seriously eroded trust in institutions devoted to fighting corruption, casting doubt on their overall effectiveness. Established in 2003, the Corruption Eradication Commission (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi) or KPK was formed specifically to address cases of corruption deemed beyond the capacity of the prosecutor’s office and the police to handle. The investigation into the incident began in June 2023, and the extortion allegations reportedly involving Firli are related to the handling of the alleged corruption case of Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL). In this context, Firli is implicated under Article 12e and/or Article 12B and/or Article 11 of the Corruption Law, along with Article 65 of the Criminal Code, carrying a potential maximum penalty of life imprisonment.T he fundamental question persists: when KPK, an institution specifically established to combat corruption, sees its leader implicated in corrupt activities, which authority should the people trust to combat corruption?
“Grassroots” Bribery Practices in Indonesia
Indonesia’s law enforcement approach toward corruption, collusion, and nepotism remains enigmatic. A case in point is the 2017 incident involving KPK’s former senior member, Novel Baswedan, who was attacked with acid by an unidentified assailant. This act was perceived as a deliberate threat against anti-corruption endeavors, drawing considerable public attention. During his recent appearance, Novel asserted that numerous corruption cases in Indonesia remain unresolved, including the case surrounding the recent resignation of Lili Pintalu Siregar, who was also linked to a corruption case. Additionally, he highlighted that during his tenure at the KPK, he observed numerous instances of bribery, even within the cells constructed within the KPK complex. Addressing corruption in Indonesia demands grassroots solutions. As a leader of the KPK, Firli reportedly received over 100 million IDR per month, indicating that even this substantial amount was insufficient. This underscores a deep-rooted mentality. Novel stressed that the normalization of minor gratifications at the outset might indicate that this case might not be Firli’s initial involvement. Additionally, it raises suspicions that he might not be acting alone, potentially involving a larger group.
Corruption defining the current regime
This incident also illuminates possible deficiencies in Indonesia’s legal and governance systems, exposing vulnerabilities that could allow corruption to persist at higher levels. With Indonesia’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) currently positioned at 38/100, a continuing decline appears imminent, potentially triggering heightened scrutiny and criticism directed at President Jokowi’s leadership. At present, President Joko Widodo is facing significant public backlash because of his son, Gibran Rakabuming’s decision to run as a vice-presidential candidate in 2024. This move has sparked discussions among young Indonesians about the emergence of a “political dynasty,” leading to widespread criticism directed at the President. The weakened state of the KPK is expected to further intensify the existing backlash. Indonesia is already amidst a phase referred to as the “the party of democracy” leading up to the upcoming 2024 elections, which amplifies discussions and scrutiny surrounding this matter.
