We all know corruption is a huge problem in Indonesia. Huge. In fact, Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) recently revealed that the state suffered Rp 3 TRILLION (US$ 244 million) in losses due to corruption last year alone.
So who, among those running the country, is perceived to be the most corrupt? Well, a recent study done by Transparency International found that that dubious distinction now goes to Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR).
Transparency International recently released their Global Corruption Barometer 2017 report, in which they surveyed 1,000 respondents across 31 Indonesian provinces from mid-2015 to early 2017 regarding corruption perception in their respective regions.
This year, the DPR claimed the top spot from the National Police, which was judged the most corrupt institution in the previous edition of the survey in 2013. The latest survey found 54% of respondents labeled the DPR as a corrupt institution, followed by bureaucratic institutions with 50%, regional councils (DPRD) with 47%, and the Taxation Directorate General with 45%.
“Many DPR members have been arrested, so it’s no wonder that the public perceives them (to be the most corrupt),” said Transparency International Indonesia researcher Wawan Heru Suyatmiko during the survey’s press announcement yesterday, as quoted by CNN Indonesia.
That perception may worsen yet as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) recently summoned 23 lawmakers accused of involvement in a high-profile graft case related to the procurement of electronic ID cards (e-KTP) in 2012.
In addition, Transparency International believes the public lost even more trust in the DPR after they tried to pass a bill designed to limit the KPK’s authority.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s police force, long perceived to be the most corrupt institution due its members being notorious for accepting and soliciting bribes, slipped to 5th place this year with 40% of respondents labeling them corrupt.
