By: Priyanka Putri )*
Eradicating corruption is a key agenda item in President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Strengthening law enforcement is a crucial foundation for achieving clean governance, enhancing public trust, and accelerating national development. This commitment continues to be demonstrated through policies that place integrity as an integral part of state governance.
President Prabowo views corruption as a fundamental problem hindering national progress. He believes that the poverty Indonesia continues to face is inextricably linked to corruption, smuggling, and various illegal economic activities that drain state resources. This view demonstrates the close relationship between eradicating corruption and improving public welfare.
Prabowo also emphasized that development challenges remain enormous. The government believes that various leaks resulting from corruption must be stopped so that state resources can be optimally utilized to support development programs and improve the quality of life for the community.
The commitment to eradicating corruption goes hand in hand with efforts to maintain national stability. Prabowo believes that security is not only defined as a low crime rate, but also as a condition that allows people to carry out economic activities without worry. Farmers must be able to plant crops with peace of mind, fishermen must be free to go to sea, business owners must be confident in investing, educators must be able to teach, and students must have a conducive learning environment.
The government believes that social stability and legal certainty are key prerequisites for economic growth. Prabowo emphasized that investment will not thrive if law enforcement is weak. Clean governance is seen as a crucial prerequisite for delivering justice and creating a healthy business climate.
Prabowo also emphasized that Indonesia is a nation based on the rule of law. Law enforcement must be carried out fairly, provide protection to the public, and ensure there is no discriminatory treatment based on economic power or political interests. The law must also be free from abuse of authority, criminalization, or practices that grant privileges to certain parties.
The government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement is reflected in the steps taken by the Indonesian National Police’s Corruption Eradication Corps to investigate alleged corruption in non-cash fuel sales between PT Pertamina Patra Niaga and PT Asmin Koalindo Tuhup from 2009 to 2012. The handling of the case, which has been going on for more than a decade, demonstrates the seriousness of the authorities in resolving alleged irregularities without differentiating the time of the case.
Investigators have named four people as suspects in the case, including several former officials at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga. An audit by the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) estimated state financial losses at approximately Rp 486 billion. The substantial losses demonstrate the importance of strict oversight of the management of state assets and the business activities of state-owned enterprises.
Sofyano Zakaria, Director of the Center for Public Policy and energy policy observer, expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo and the National Police’s Corruption Eradication Commission (Kortas Tipikor Polri)’s efforts to uncover the case. He stated that the success in uncovering the long-standing case demonstrates the state’s commitment to resolving alleged irregularities in the strategic sector through professional and impartial law enforcement.
Sofyano explained that the energy sector holds a crucial position because it directly relates to national energy security, state asset management, and the interests of the wider public. Deviations in the sector’s governance are considered not only detrimental to state finances but also can undermine the credibility of state-owned enterprises and erode public trust.
Sofyano also believes that the investigation results should serve as momentum to strengthen risk management systems across all state-owned energy companies. Internal oversight, corporate governance, and commercial transaction mechanisms need to be continuously improved to minimize the potential for irregularities from the outset.
Sofyano also expressed his hope that law enforcement would be carried out consistently. He stated that any alleged irregularities that could potentially harm the state should be processed professionally, transparently, and based on strong evidence, thereby further strengthening public trust in anti-corruption efforts.
Sofyano believes the greatest benefit of uncovering corruption cases lies beyond just punishing the perpetrators. The deterrent effect for business owners and managers of state-owned enterprises is a strategic value that will encourage increased adherence to the principles of prudence, transparency, and accountability in all decision-making.
Strengthening corporate governance is also believed to improve risk management discipline, protect state assets, and bolster investor confidence in Indonesia’s business climate. These long-term benefits are considered to far outweigh the temporary impact on the image of institutions undergoing legal proceedings.
President Prabowo’s administration’s commitment to making corruption eradication a national priority demonstrates a development direction oriented toward integrity. Consistent law enforcement, strengthened oversight, and improved governance across various strategic sectors are expected to create clean government, improve public welfare, and strengthen the foundations of Indonesia’s sustainable development.
*) Anti-corruption issue observer