KPK: Eradication Of Corruption Without Independent Institutions Will Not Work

KPK chairman Setyo Budiyanto in an anti-corruption conference throughout Southeast Asia which was held in Malaysia, Tuesday, April 29. (Ist)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Setyo Budiyanto said the eradication of corruption would not work without the support of independent institutions and public trust.

This was conveyed by Setyo during an anti-corruption conference throughout Southeast Asia which was held at the Putrajaya International Convention Center, Malaysia, Tuesday, April 29. He said, 16 principles to strengthen the independence of anti-corruption institutions in the Jakarta Statment on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agents should be maintained.

To note, the Jakarta Statement was sparked through an international anti-corruption institution meeting on 26-27 November 2012. At that time, 20 countries were present and then produced 16 principles to realize the independence and effectiveness of eradicating corruption.

"We have seen how these principles are tested in various countries, facing political and economic challenges," Setyo said in an official statement quoted on Friday, May 2.

Setyo said the current Jakarta Statement had been refined to be more practical through Colombo Commentary in 2018. "However, the common thread, namely eradicating corruption, will not succeed if the anti-corruption agency is not independent, does not have adequate resources, and is not trusted by the public," said the former Director of Investigation of the KPK.

In the event, the KPK also explained three supporting factors for anti-corruption strengthening. Here are the details:

1. Collective action is key. No institution can work alone. Collaboration with other government institutions, civil society, and academics is vital. Input from civil society organizations provides an understanding of reality in the field, while academics bring accuracy, research, and fresh ideas. Collaborating to form policies that strengthen anti-corruption institutions.

2. Mass media plays an important role in strengthening supervision of anti-corruption agencies. In an increasingly connected world, journalists are often the first to expose mistakes and demand accountability. A press that is free and responsible is not a threat to the government, but must be used as the main foundation. Media can form public discourse, keep integrity issues a key agenda, and make it difficult for corruption to hide.

3. Investing in human resources in anti-corruption institutions. Employee integrity and capacity at all levels will determine whether the agency is able to withstand pressure. This includes technical training as well as ethics. Not only recruiting more people, but recruiting the right person. And no less important, ensuring that anti-corruption agency staff are protected from improper influences and supported to work without threats or temptation.

The series of activities were closed with reading with the Putrajaya Declaration. There are seven points in it, namely supporting the independence of anti-corruption institutions; cooperation; exchange of information; exchange of good practices (best practice); involvement and advocacy; research and education; as well as promoting UNCAC and Jakarta Statement.

This conference was also attended by all representatives of participating countries throughout Southeast Asia such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor Leste.