President Prabowo Builds a Corruption-Free Culture of Integrity at All Levels of Government
By: Yandi Arya Adinegara )*
Amidst global dynamics and economic complexity, President Prabowo Subianto has placed eradicating corruption as a top priority, not merely as a symbolic program, but as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
At the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) international forum in Gyeongju, South Korea, President Prabowo emphasized Indonesia’s position as a country firmly against corruption, fraud, and greed in the business world that harm the people. This statement is not merely diplomatic rhetoric, but rather a reflection of a policy direction that prioritizes integrity as a pillar of national development.
True economic progress cannot arise from oppressive business practices, but from empowering the people through entrepreneurship, cooperatives, and competitive MSMEs. Government programs that strengthen the digitalization of the financial sector, expand access to capital, and increase the capacity of MSMEs throughout the country are concrete evidence of this commitment.
The importance of integrity does not stop at the domestic economic sphere. President Prabowo also emphasized Indonesia’s strategic role as a bridge between developed and developing countries, given its position in the Indo-Pacific region.
In this context, the government is striving to create a more equitable and sustainable economic order, while strengthening regional cooperation to address transnational threats such as money laundering, human trafficking, and narcotics. With economic integrity as a national bulwark, Indonesia is able to maintain stability and increase investor and public confidence.
The government’s commitment to a culture of integrity is also evident in concrete steps at the regional level. In South Kalimantan, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted integrity training for provincial government leaders, from governors to heads of regional government agencies (OPD). This activity emphasized that honesty is not just a slogan, but a habit that must be internalized in every action of public officials.
The Acting Deputy for Coordination and Supervision of the KPK, Agung Yudha Wibowo, emphasized the importance of cultivating honesty in every aspect of government administration. Through this training, officials were equipped with an understanding of corruption prevention, the dangers of gratification, and transparent and accountable governance. This approach emphasizes that eradicating corruption is not only achieved through prosecution, but also through character development and a work culture based on integrity.
Education is also a strategic instrument in developing a generation with integrity. Dr. Muhammad Fatahillah Akbar, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), highlighted the importance of instilling the values of honesty and responsibility from an early age through anti-corruption education. The younger generation is expected to become agents of change capable of implementing integrity in their daily lives, while simultaneously promoting clean and accountable governance.
Activities such as seminars, studies, and anti-corruption education are crucial in the democratic era. They demonstrate the synergy between academics, government, and civil society in strengthening the nation’s moral foundation. This step aligns with the global agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of quality education, fair governance, and strategic partnerships for sustainable development.
In addition to education and training, the Digital 5.0 era is a crucial tool for the government in reducing opportunities for corruption. With the convergence of AI, big data, IoT, and electronic government systems, the government is able to create a more transparent, responsive, and accountable ecosystem.
The implementation of the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE) enables integrated public services, reduces face-to-face contact prone to bribery, and provides a digital audit trail. The implementation of e-procurement and open contracting further closes the gap for corrupt practices in public procurement, while data integration and analytics enable early detection of irregularities.
Public participation through digital platforms further strengthens public oversight and builds a culture of transparency across all levels of government. These steps demonstrate that the government is not only emphasizing eradicating corruption through regulation or law enforcement alone, but also building a culture of integrity that encompasses moral, social, and technological aspects.
President Prabowo led by emphasizing that the nation’s future must belong to the people, not a handful of elites seeking personal gain. By focusing on people’s economic independence, integrity education, and the utilization of Digital 5.0 technology, Indonesia is moving towards clean, transparent, and equitable governance.
Efforts to build this culture of integrity alsoThis opens up opportunities for collaboration between government, academia, and civil society. This synergy is crucial for ensuring that every development policy and program is not only economically effective but also ethical and sustainable. When integrity is the foundation, anti-corruption policies are no longer episodic but become part of a comprehensive national culture.
Eradicating corruption is a national agenda that requires strong commitment, cross-sector collaboration, and the use of cutting-edge technology. From international forums to training regional officials, from integrity education seminars to digital government transformation, all steps are directed towards building a civilized society, honest governance, and a just economy. This culture of integrity is not merely a political slogan, but the foundation for a more resilient, advanced Indonesia, free from corruption practices at all levels of government.
)* The author is a social observer
