Andalas University Professor States Corruption is the Root Cause of Declining National Productivity
Professor Syafruddin Karimi, an Economics Professor at Andalas University (Unand), has asserted that the prevalence of corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN) is the primary cause of low national productivity levels in Indonesia. He made these remarks during the Republic Conference titled ‘Shaping a True Constitutional Republic’ held at Andalas University, Padag, on Monday (31/8).
Syafruddin highlighted that the current phenomenon of KKN is no longer centralised solely within top leadership but has spread to almost every transaction point, ranging from large-scale projects to the smallest business permit processes. The most critical danger of this practice is the emergence of social normalisation.
“If we do not destroy KKN, this nation will collapse. Let us break this vicious circle,” said Syafruddin.
He added that as long as KKN is permitted, productivity will continue to lag behind the growth figures claimed by the government, and the Rupiah’s exchange rate will remain fragile. Quoting Robert Dahl, he reminded the audience that democracy only proves its utility if citizens are able to be economically productive.
Meanwhile, economist Wijayanto Samirin highlighted a disconnect between government data and the reality faced by the people. This gap is triggered by overly loose statistical indicator standards, economic agendas driven by political interests, and weak programme execution capacity.
On the other hand, the Shadow Cabinet’s Minister of Economy, Media Wahyudi Askar, assessed that current economic decisions lack a scientific basis (analytical thinking). He noted that while institutions such as Bappenas and the Ministry of Finance are staffed by competent individuals, their studies are rarely utilised by decision-makers.
Constitutional Law expert from Gadjah Mada University, Professor Zainal Arifin Mochtar, added that both digital and physical public spaces are shrinking, causing citizens to lose the fundamental tools required to demand accountability from authorities who tend towards authoritarianism.
The Head of LAB45, Jaleswari Pramodhawardani, revealed that a lack of corrective mechanisms has birthed an extractive economy that relies on natural resource depletion and security-based approaches. “Extractive economy and militarism are currently intertwined, and it is always the citizens who are sacrificed,” she explained.
The Chairman of the Republic Conference, Sudirman Said, highlighted the loss of leadership ethics due to the widespread privatisation of public domains.
“To be a leader is to be a steward for the res publica. Since it is public property, it must not be reversed into private, family, or group ownership,” said Sudirman.
Led by the Presidium consisting of Feri Amsari, Khoirunnisa Nur Agustyati, and Fadli Ramadhanil, the forum formulated the speakers’ concerns into five official calls to the state administrators:
First, uphold leadership selection mechanisms based on track records and ethics, rather than proximity to power.
Second, restore the state’s capacity to manage the economy, rather than merely replacing programmes every time power changes hands.
Third, halt the expansion of militarism into civilian spaces. Fourth, end negative transactionalism within the government and protect those who refuse to remain silent.
Finally, ensure that civil society serves as a key pillar of the republic’s administration, rather than merely being an invitee.