The Rise of Kortastipikor: Indonesia’s new anti-corruption corps and what it means for businesses

At the end of his administration, former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) established the Police Corps for Eradication of Corruption (Kortastipikor), signaling a significant shift in Indonesia's fight against corruption. This new anti-corruption unit within the Indonesian National Police  was officially inaugurated on October 15, 2024, and is part of broader efforts to strengthen the role of the police in handling corruption cases. The establishment of Kortastipikor comes at a time when corruption remains a pervasive issue in Indonesia, and it reflects the police's growing ambition to take a more proactive stance in addressing corruption-related crimes.

Kortastipikor's role and responsibilities

Kortastipikor's core responsibilities include preventing, investigating, and prosecuting corruption cases, much like its counterparts, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Attorney General's Office (AGO). With the creation of this unit, the police are expected to complement the work of the KPK and AGO by addressing corruption more assertively at local levels and focusing on issues that may not necessarily fall within the purview of the KPK, which typically handles high-profile cases.

The police's new anti-corruption corps is structured with several divisions that focus on corruption prevention, interagency cooperation, and legal enforcement. The establishment of Kortastipikor demonstrates an intent to strengthen the involvement of the police in investigating and prosecuting corruption, an area where they have historically been seen as less active compared to the KPK and AGO​.

Public reception and criticism

Despite the positive rhetoric surrounding its creation, Kortastipikor's establishment has been met with skepticism. Critics question whether the police, who have been perceived as lagging behind in anti-corruption efforts, can truly make a meaningful impact in combating corruption. The KPK has long been the leading institution in handling major corruption cases, and the AGO has also been an active player in prosecuting bribery. In contrast, the police's record on corruption cases has been less transparent and not as well-regarded by the public.

One of the primary concerns is that Kortastipikor may overlap with the roles already handled by the KPK and AGO, leading to bureaucratic inefficiencies rather than bolstering anti-corruption efforts. Additionally, the police's historical involvement in corruption-related scandals has raised doubts about their ability to independently and effectively manage corruption cases within their own ranks.​

However, the establishment of Kortastipikor is also seen as a recognition by the government that the police need to play a more active role in anti-corruption efforts. If properly executed, the formation of this corps could enhance the overall framework of corruption prevention and enforcement in Indonesia by increasing coordination between the three major institutions responsible for tackling corruption.

Implications for businesses especially foreign subsidiaries

The formation of Kortastipikor has significant implications for businesses operating in Indonesia, especially for subsidiaries of foreign companies. As the police take on a more assertive role in investigating corruption cases, companies will likely face increased scrutiny of their business practices and compliance with Indonesia's anti-corruption laws.

In the past, the KPK and AGO have led high-profile investigations into both private and public sector corruption. With Kortastipikor now in place, the police will likely be more involved in the investigation of local corruption cases, and businesses will need to be aware of the possibility of greater police involvement in compliance inquiries.

Corruption remains a pervasive issue in Indonesia, and foreign businesses must remain vigilant in ensuring that they adhere to local laws and regulations. The involvement of multiple institutions, including the KPK, AGO, and now Kortastipikor, means that businesses could be subject to investigation from various enforcement bodies, each with its own mandate and focus.

The future of anti-corruption in Indonesia

While there is still public skepticism surrounding Kortastipikor's potential effectiveness, its establishment represents an important development in Indonesia's anti-corruption framework. The police, with Kortastipikor in place, are signaling their intention to play a more proactive role in tackling corruption. This could lead to more coordinated efforts between the police, KPK, and AGO, which, if properly managed, could strengthen the fight against corruption.

In the coming years, businesses in Indonesia should expect increased involvement from the police in corruption-related matters. The creation of Kortastipikor marks a shift in how corruption investigations may be handled, with the police likely playing a more central role alongside the KPK and AGO. As a result, companies must remain diligent in their compliance efforts, particularly as the police begin to assert themselves more actively in this space.

Conclusion

Kortastipikor’s creation at the close of former President Jokowi’s administration highlights Indonesia’s continued battle against corruption. Despite initial concerns about its effectiveness and potential overlap with existing institutions, the new anti-corruption corps could prove to be a vital part of the country's evolving anti-corruption landscape. For businesses, especially foreign subsidiaries, this development underscores the need for heightened vigilance and compliance with anti-corruption regulations as the police increase their involvement in addressing corruption and bribery in Indonesia.

Authored by  Chalid Heyder,  Teguh Darmawan, and  Julia Nugroho.