Abuja: Indonesia on Monday shared its anti-corruption success story with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), emphasizing that sting operations are crucial in combating corruption. The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, communicated this at the ICPC’s second edition of the International Diplomatic Dialogue, themed ‘Experience Sharing in Anti-Corruption Strategy: The Indonesian Perspective.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ambassador, represented by the Minister Counselor for Political Affairs, Mrs. Tuty Dityawanty, spoke at the event organized by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the research and training division of the ICPC. Suharto credited Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) with the successful arrest and conviction of numerous ‘untouchable elites’ through sting operations, institutional reforms, and public trust-building, while admitting that corruption remains a significant challenge. He highlighted KPK’s success in prosecuting high-profile officials, including ministers, governors, lawmakers, and judges.
Suharto noted that Indonesia’s fight against corruption is ongoing, especially in areas such as bribery in public services and business licensing. He explained that KPK, established in 2003, has a mandate covering coordination and supervision, investigation and prosecution, prevention of corruption, and monitoring of state governance. The ambassador detailed how the KPK uses intelligence-led investigations and sting operations to uncover suspected bribery cases, all conducted within the country’s legal framework and supported by investigative evidence.
He elaborated on the legal backing for KPK’s operations, stating that sting operations are supported by law, allowing the commission to apprehend suspects caught in the act during ongoing intelligence and wiretapping operations, with prior approval from KPK’s internal Supervisory Board. Suharto added that corruption offenses in Indonesia are punishable by life imprisonment or jail terms ranging from four to 20 years.
The ambassador also highlighted Indonesia’s State Administrator Asset Report system (LHKPN), managed by KPK, which requires civil servants, state-owned enterprise executives, and high-ranking officials to declare personal wealth before taking office, annually during their tenure, and after leaving office, including assets of immediate family members. He traced the roots of corruption in Indonesia back to the royal era and the Dutch colonial period under the VOC, describing these as the ‘seeds of modern corruption.’
Suharto emphasized that KPK has gained public trust not only by jailing powerful offenders but also by portraying a vision of an Indonesia where public business can be conducted without corruption. He stated that the success was the result of persistence and smart choices.
Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the ICPC, in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of international cooperation and learning from best practices to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight. Aliyu, represented by the Secretary to ICPC, Clifford Oparaodu, noted that the theme was both relevant and timely given that corruption remains a major impediment to sustainable development, economic growth, social justice, and public trust in institutions.
Aliyu added that Nigeria has much to learn from Indonesia, particularly through its anti-corruption body, the KPK, and expressed eagerness to adopt the strategies, policies, and enforcement actions employed by the Indonesian government. He shared that the ICPC had previously hosted the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria to exchange knowledge on tackling corruption in Kenya, emphasizing the value of understanding comparative experiences and identifying innovative approaches adaptable to local realities.
The Provost of ACAN, Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, praised Indonesia’s pioneering role in the fight against colonialism and corruption and emphasized the country’s experience as a model for Global South nations. Ibrahim linked Indonesia’s anti-corruption efforts to the 1955 Bandung Conference, which promoted principles such as sovereignty, equality, and international cooperation among Asian and African countries. He called for a revival of the ‘spirit of Bandung’ to strengthen solidarity and combat corruption.