KPK Uncovers 'Corruption Ecosystem': Families to Trusted People as Intermediaries for Illegal Money

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed a new pattern in corrupt practices that are now increasingly complex. No longer standing alone, the main perpetrators often involve the closest circle as part of the crime ecosystem.

KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said the involvement of this circle includes family, colleagues, and political colleagues who play a role in various stages of criminal acts.

"This condition shows that corruption is like an ecosystem: there are those who regulate, those who run, those who store," said Budi through his written statement quoted on Monday, April 20.

Budi also said that recently, public positions were no longer neutral. "But it often becomes a meeting point for various interests, including as a tool for political retribution or financing," he said.

Budi's statement is said to be seen in various cases handled by the KPK. The circle of perpetrators is not only involved since the planning, but serves as an intermediary until the disguise of the flow of money from corruption.

In the case in the Pemkab Pekalongan, for example, the family of the regional head was suspected of intervening in the procurement process to win a certain company while receiving funds. Similar patterns were also found in a number of other areas such as Bekasi, Tulungagung, Cilacap, to Ponorogo with variations in roles ranging from parents, aides, to political relations.

"This circle may exist in various roles or positions. Some are involved from the beginning of the planning process, together committing the act, there are also those who become 'layers' or intermediaries in receiving money from corruption, to those who help accommodate or disguise the flow of money," he explained.

The KPK also found a layered pattern in the case in the Customs environment. In addition to storing cash in certain locations, there was the use of the names of other parties as nominees to accommodate the proceeds of crime.

This condition is what makes the KPK then partner with the Financial Transaction Reporting and Analysis Center (PPATK) to map the movement of money and identify the parties involved. Because, said Budi, eradicating corruption cannot just stop at the main perpetrators but the entire network involved.

"From several cases handled by the KPK, it was revealed that the involvement of the 'circle' of the main perpetrators from family members, trusted people, colleagues, to political colleagues," he said.

Furthermore, the KPK noted that there were 1,904 corruption perpetrators who had been handled since 2004 to 2025. Of that number, 91 percent were men and 9 percent were women.

Thus, strengthening integrity is not only at the individual level but also in the immediate environment, including families and social networks.

In addition, the KPK invites the public to actively report alleged corruption through various official channels, including the KPK Whistleblower System, complaint email, and call center.

"Integrity cannot be built individually, but must be strengthened from the closest environment such as family, colleagues, to political networks," he continued.