By: Jaka Prawira )
The government’s efforts to eradicate corruption are not merely about enforcing the law but also about safeguarding the welfare of the people, particularly those at the grassroots level. The impact of corruption is felt most severely by those who live with limited means, as every misappropriated resource represents rights stolen from the people.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the state will not hesitate to expose major corruption cases. In his State Address at the 2025 Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), he stressed that Indonesia’s natural wealth—ranging from land to water—must be fully utilized for the prosperity of the people, not for the benefit of a select few. Together with the TNI and Polri, the government is ensuring that the management of state resources is returned to the people and used for public welfare.
The President highlighted illegal practices in the palm oil plantation sector, where many lands were located in protected forests and left unreported in terms of their size. Some business actors even ignored official summons from the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP). As a follow-up, the government issued Presidential Decree No. 5 of 2025 on Forest Area Enforcement, successfully reclaiming 3.1 million hectares of problematic palm oil land. This firm action not only enforces the law but also protects the rights of the people who have long suffered from such illegal practices.
Chairman of the MPR RI, Ahmad Muzani, praised the government’s steps in fighting corruption. According to him, this effort serves as a vital foundation for the sustainability of democracy, independence, and the nation’s future. He stressed that eradicating corruption is also about saving the poor, who have long borne the heaviest consequences—from neglected public services to infrastructure that fails to meet the people’s needs.
In essence, corruption robs the rights of ordinary citizens. Funds meant for education, healthcare, and infrastructure development often end up in the pockets of irresponsible individuals. In the first six months of President Prabowo–Gibran’s administration, four major cases that captured public attention were handled: alleged corruption at Pertamina, the MINYAKITA program, Bank BJB, and PT ANTAM. The handling of these cases underscores the government’s seriousness in tackling practices that directly harm society, especially those dependent on public services.
Criminal Law Expert at Trisakti University, Albert Aries, underlined that the success of corruption eradication relies heavily on a credible and professional legal system. He noted that objective and fair law enforcement will foster trust among the public, business actors, and investors. Albert added that a clean judiciary would promote a healthy investment climate, which in turn brings tangible benefits to the people, especially those at the grassroots.
Albert also commended the Attorney General’s Office for its firm stance against corruption, as well as the government’s support for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the police in enhancing both enforcement and prevention. He encouraged the Police’s Anti-Corruption Crime Corps (Kortas Tipikor) to be more proactive in law enforcement and state asset recovery, including cracking down on money laundering from corruption proceeds. According to Albert, such measures are crucial to ensure that the public experiences the positive impact of a law-abiding state.
At the regional level, the Governor of West Kalimantan, Ria Norsan, expressed full support for KPK’s anti-corruption programs. He emphasized that integrity in every aspect of local government operations plays a decisive role in the effectiveness of public services. Based on the Integrity Assessment Survey (SPI), West Kalimantan recorded a score of 72.37, ranking third among 12 provinces in the medium-cost and medium-staff category. Ria credited this achievement to collective hard work and expressed hope for stronger cross-sectoral coordination to further improve public services, particularly for those most in need.
The impact of corruption on the lower classes is starkly evident: neglected education services, understocked hospitals, unrepaired damaged roads, and stalled development projects—all are consequences of corruption draining public funds. By eradicating corruption, the government not only upholds the law but also enforces social justice.
These concrete measures, from the central to local governments, demonstrate that the fight against corruption remains a top priority. Collaboration between law enforcement institutions and regional governments has created a governance system that is clean, accountable, and trusted by the public. These efforts also instill the principle that every rupiah managed by the state must deliver direct benefits to the people, not be siphoned off for personal gain.
Society, especially the underprivileged, must feel the positive effects of government integrity. With the real steps being taken, public services can become more targeted, infrastructure can be built according to community needs, and social welfare programs can run effectively.
Now, this momentum provides an opportunity for all elements of the nation to support the government’s efforts. The business sector, civil society, and academia play important roles in monitoring implementation, ensuring that every fiscal policy and resource management is executed fairly.
With commitment, courage, and synergy across the nation, Indonesia will advance toward governance that is clean, just, and oriented toward people’s welfare. The poor, who have long borne the brunt of corruption, will feel the direct benefits—making Indonesia stronger, more democratic, and more prosperous.
)* The writer is a contributor to the Lingkar Baca Khatulistiwa Institute
