The Commitment to Eradicating Corruption Proves the State Has Not Ignored Public Aspirations
By: Ferdian Kristopher
Eradicating corruption is not merely a political slogan, but a concrete manifestation of the state’s commitment to responding to the public’s aspirations for clean governance and integrity. Amidst global challenges and increasing demands for transparency, the government has demonstrated its commitment to enforcing the law and strengthening governance. The strategic steps taken by various institutions, both central and regional, demonstrate that the state is not remaining silent about corrupt practices that harm the people.
The Head of the Jayawijaya District Attorney’s Office, Sunandar Pramono, stated that his office is focusing on vital sectors such as village funds, education, health, and infrastructure, which are often vulnerable to corruption. He will continue to employ persuasive and repressive approaches to ensure that every rupiah of the budget is returned to the people in the form of real development. He also called on all elements of society to build an anti-corruption culture in the Papua Highlands.
A similar commitment came from the Indonesian Ulema Council, which openly applauded President Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to eradicate corruption. MUI Secretary General Buya Amirsyah Tambunan stated that the President’s determination is part of the seventh point of Asta Cita, namely strengthening political, legal, and bureaucratic reform. In a meeting at the State Palace, Buya Amirsyah emphasized the importance of accelerating deliberations on the Criminal Asset Confiscation Bill as a legal instrument that will strengthen law enforcement against perpetrators of corruption. He urged all elements of the nation to fully support the government’s efforts.
The Deputy Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Indah Dhamayanti Putri, echoed this commitment. In her statement, she emphasized that corruption prevention must be a top priority in regional governance. She highlighted the importance of synergy between local governments, law enforcement officials, and the public in creating a transparent and accountable system. Concrete steps such as strengthening internal oversight and integrity training for civil servants are part of a sustainable prevention strategy.
It’s important to recognize that eradicating corruption isn’t just about prosecuting perpetrators, but also about building a system that prevents corruption from its inception. As stated by the Deputy Chairperson of the Corruption Eradication Commission, Nurul Ghufron, in a coordination forum with the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) and regional governments, he emphasized that the commitment of regional heads and the legislature is key to the success of anti-corruption efforts. According to him, if regional heads and DPRDs lack commitment, corruption eradication efforts will be difficult to achieve. This statement emphasizes that synergy between institutions and the integrity of regional leaders are the main foundations for creating clean governance.
Furthermore, an educational and participatory approach is also a crucial strategy in building an anti-corruption culture. The government, through the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and related institutions, continues to encourage public involvement in budget oversight and public services. Programs such as anti-corruption education in schools, integrity training for civil servants, and reporting through digital applications demonstrate that the government focuses not only on enforcement but also on prevention based on public participation.
Amidst complex political and social dynamics, the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption demonstrates that the people’s aspirations remain a top priority. When the public voices their desire to live in a just and transparent system, the government responds with concrete policies and actions. This demonstrates the healthy functioning of democracy in Indonesia, where the people’s voices are not only heard but also responded to concretely.
Furthermore, successful corruption eradication will have a direct impact on improving the quality of public services and sustainable development. A budget free from leakages will be more effectively used to build infrastructure, improve education, expand access to healthcare, and create jobs. Therefore, the anti-corruption commitment is not only a legal matter, but also a matter of the overall well-being of the people.
Given the various steps taken, it’s no exaggeration to say that the current government is on the right track. Support from religious leaders, law enforcement officials, and local governments demonstrates that corruption eradication has become a national movement involving all elements of the nation. This demonstrates that the government is not ignoring public aspirations but rather using them as a foundation for policy formulation.
In closing, we should commend the government’s commitment to building a clean and integrated Indonesia. Under firm and visionary leadership, and with support from various parties, eradicating corruption is no longer just talk, but a concrete, progressive movement. With a spirit of mutual cooperation and collaboration, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to become an economically advanced nation with dignity in governance.
The government has demonstrated that it listens, understands, and acts in accordance with the people’s expectations. Now is the time for all of us to maintain and strengthen this commitment for a brighter future for the nation, by continuing to actively participate in development, maintaining unity, and overseeing policies to ensure they support the common good. Only through strong collaboration between the government and the people can the ideals of a just, prosperous, and competitive Indonesia truly be realized.
)*The author is a public policy observer
