KPK Pushes Reform of the Tipikor Law on Bribery of Foreign Officials

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) emphasized that the Corruption Crime Law (UU Tipikor) needs to be strengthened so that foreign bribery perpetrators and corruption practices in the private sector can be optimally prosecuted.

Strengthening is also considered an important requirement for Indonesia in the accession process to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

This was conveyed by KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto at the workshop Supporting Indonesia in Fighting Foreign Bribery: Towards Accession to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention which was held jointly with the OECD in Jakarta, Thursday, February 12.

"In UNCAC, especially Article 16, countries are encouraged to criminalize bribery of foreign public officials. We need a concrete response in updating national regulations," said Setyo in an official statement from the institution quoted Friday, February 13.

Setyo explained that accession to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention is not merely a diplomatic agenda. According to him, this is a moment to update national laws to be in line with international anti-corruption standards that have not specifically regulated bribery of foreign public officials or foreign bribery.

Because, the KPK has identified three corruption delicts that have not been explicitly regulated in the Tipikor Law. First related to trading in influence.

The second is related to the ownership of unnatural wealth that cannot be explained by its origin or illicit enrichment. Finally, related to the practice of bribery in the private sector.

"If this update can be included in the revision of the Tipikor Law, I believe that efforts to eradicate corruption will be stronger and more systematic," he said.

In addition, the KPK considers that the update of the regulation is increasingly needed after the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Indonesia in 2025 was recorded at 34 or down three points from the previous year which was at 37. The KPK considers this condition to be a moment of reflection to strengthen the legal framework for eradicating corruption.

In the process of accession to the OECD, strengthening the regulation of foreign bribery is an important element that will be assessed strictly by the OECD Working Group on Bribery (WGB) through a peer review mechanism. Indonesia needs to show readiness for regulation, policy, and implementation that is in line with the standards of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention.

The KPK has submitted a recommendation for revision of the Tipikor Law to the government as part of the national legal reform agenda in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029.

"We don't want to face legal consequences in other countries. We must be able to take firm action against foreign parties who bribe officials in Indonesia. This is the importance of harmonizing our laws with global standards," said Setyo.

Meanwhile, on a separate occasion, KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said that strengthening regulations was a concern for all parties. Through the workshop held on February 10-12, many parties have provided input.

"Among them, from Commission III of the DPR RI, all factions were present and provided their support, especially if the legislative framework is needed to support Indonesia's accession to OECD membership," he told reporters at the KPK's Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, quoted Friday, February 13.

"And of course this cannot be done alone, so that (in the workshop, ed) there are also many ministries/institutions present. From the Ministry of Finance, then the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, then from the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and also international experts provide various views for enrichment to answer Indonesia's challenges in accessing or in the process of accession to become a full member of the OECD. "