Synergy between Regional Government and DPRD is the Key to the Success of Corruption Eradication

By: Andi Mahesa

Corruption eradication has become a national agenda that continues to be promoted by various parties. However, the success of this effort does not only depend on the courage of law enforcement officers or the existence of regulations alone. Behind all that, there is a strategic role of the regional government (Pemda) and the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) which are the spearheads of policy making at the local level. Synergy between these two institutions is an important key in building clean and accountable governance.

Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Johanis Tanak, emphasized that corruption eradication cannot be separated from the central role of the Regional Government and DPRD. According to him, these actors determine the direction of development and budget management in the regions. Corruption is not just a matter of the size of officials’ salaries, but also a matter of integrity of heart and mind. A big salary does not guarantee that someone is free from corruption if their heart is still greedy

This statement is very relevant in the context of current regional autonomy, where the regional government has broad authority in managing resources and designing development policies. Unfortunately, this authority is often misused by irresponsible individuals. Corruption in the form of procurement of goods and services, misuse of budgets, and bribery in the ratification of the APBD is still a serious issue in various regions.

Tanak reminded that corruption is actually a form of betrayal of the people. Public funds used in development come from taxes and community contributions. Therefore, every rupiah that is corrupted means reducing the people’s rights to public services that they should receive. Therefore, building a clean regional government does not require a complicated formula—it is enough to not abuse authority and keep the heart clean.

In line with that, the Director of Coordination and Supervision of Region I of the KPK, Agung Yudha Wibowo, stated that the regional government and the DPRD are two key actors in determining the black and white of regional governance. Both can be a fortress of integrity, or conversely, become a big loophole for corrupt practices. The KPK will continue to support strategic steps in the regions, but we cannot work alone. Close collaboration between the KPK, the executive, and the legislative in the regions is essential for effective corruption eradication.

Agung also highlighted the importance of strengthening the monitoring and transparency system in regional financial management. He encouraged the regional government and the DPRD to jointly identify potential corruption in every line of governance, from planning, budgeting, to program implementation. Inventorying potential corruption and closing gaps in budget leaks are very important preventive steps.

In practice, cooperation between the regional government and the DPRD is not always harmonious. Sometimes, political dynamics and group interests can disrupt the running of clean governance. The Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, suggested that improving the political system and governance should also be a priority in efforts to eradicate corruption. It is not enough for regional heads to have integrity; a healthy political and government system must also be built. The KPK must be more present in the regions, not only as a deterrent but also as a mediator in building healthy collaboration between the executive and legislative.

What Bobby Nasution said emphasized that individual integrity needs to be supported by a system that prevents corruption. With a transparent, accountable, and participatory system, the potential for abuse of power can be significantly reduced. In addition, the existence of the KPK as a facilitator of collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in the regions is also an important breakthrough in building synergy between institutions.

On the other hand, efforts to eradicate corruption also require active participation from the community. Strong public supervision will provide moral and political pressure for regional officials to act ethically and responsibly. Therefore, anti-corruption literacy needs to be continuously improved among the community, especially in terms of budget supervision and implementation of regional government programs.