Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission focuses on efforts to reign in corruption in Indonesia, particularly since the fall of the Suharto regime in 1998. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) began work in December of 2003, charged with investigating and prosecuting corruption. At the time of the case, it is July, 2004. The KPK still hasn't prosecuted its first case, but is looking into corruption allegations aimed at Abdullah Puteh, the governor of Aceh. Accused of marking up the price of a helicopter, Puteh has failed to appear for questioning on multiple occasions. The KPK must decide how to respond. They can "order" President Megawati to suspend Puteh or they can move on, downplaying the importance of the case. There are several objectives for this case. First, it aims to make students think about the problems posed by corruption. What are the economic costs? What are the political costs? Why is it so hard to combat? Second, this case seeks to encourage students to think about the importance of high-level political support in policy reform and implementation. Through this case, they should see that legislation alone is often not sufficient.

 


Case studies are integral teaching tools for the Leadership Academy for Development workshops conducted around the world.