KPK Chairman: Corruption Can Be Where It HAPPENs

Chairman of the KPK Firli Bahuri. (Antaranews)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri emphasized that corrupt practices can be carried out in any institution. Corruption can also occur in universities, which are the birthplaces of the intelligent successors of the Indonesian nation.

"Corruption can be anywhere, not only in the Regional Government, the Central Government, but also in the world of education. From bribes in the procurement of goods and services, to the acceptance of new students," Firli said in a written statement received on Sunday, December 18.

Firli detailed, since the KPK was founded in 2004 until November 30, 2022, 1479 people have been arrested for corruption. But the fact is that corrupt practices still occur.

Based on this fact, Firli admitted that his party contributed to the dissemination of anti-corruption literacy to increase the integrity of universities.

"Seeing it, we are aware, it is difficult to eradicate corruption just by taking action. We also involve all stakeholders, including universities, to include anti-corruption education in lectures," said Firli.

In addition, Firli said the KPK plans to measure the Education Integrity Index at universities. The goal is to find out how integrity a university is, the risk of corruption, and improvements that can be made to prevent corruption.

"We are still preparing criteria, assessment indicators, measuring instruments, methods. Because if it is just a value, without anything to fix, we are in vain to conduct a survey," he explained.

In this regard, previously the KPK revealed that the people in Indonesia now increasingly understand what corruption is. However, this knowledge is not based on the attitude to stay away from this practice.

"Our society understands corruption more and more. However, when we measure their behavior, it is not in line with understanding," said KPK Deputy Chairman Alexander Marwata, some time ago.

From that measurement, it is known that there are still many people who give money to state officials. This is even considered a normal practice and must be done to speed up licensing and administration.

"Giving something to state officials, it is still considered normal," said Alexander.

In addition, most people do not feel guilty after giving money. In fact, Alexander once heard directly that there were businessmen who said that taking care of permits was not free.

"People when managing permits he gives something is also not something that makes them feel guilty. Naturally. Businesses like that, no licensing is free," he said.

"They conveyed that, entrepreneurs. 'There is no free licensing. If our economy is still profitable, there is no problem'," continued Alexander, imitating the statements of the businessmen.