Haedar Nashir: Corruption in Indonesia Has Reached an Emergency Stage

Muhammadiyah Central Board Chairman Haedar Nashir has stated that corruption in Indonesia is now at a critical emergency stage, describing it as systemic and massive. He made the remarks before attending a Leadership Training event for Muhammadiyah ’Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions in Yogyakarta on Monday evening. According to Haedar, the recurring phenomenon of corruption, including the recent arrests of several regional heads by the Corruption Eradication Commission, shows that it is no longer merely an individual violation but a disease deeply rooted in the system. “Like an epidemic, corruption has spread into an acute, systemic, structured, and massive disease,” Haedar stressed. He linked this condition to the seventh Astacita goal of President Prabowo Subianto, which focuses on strengthening political, legal, and bureaucratic reform, as well as preventing and eradicating corruption and narcotics. Haedar noted that the President’s various speeches demonstrate a strong awareness and commitment to the anti-corruption agenda. He argued that corruption is one of the fundamental issues burdening Indonesia, alongside problems such as meeting basic needs, providing employment, and poverty. Haedar outlined three key points for the collective fight against corruption. Firstly, he assessed that corruption is in a state of emergency because it is structured, massive, and systemic, and therefore President Prabowo must directly lead the eradication efforts through established institutions. He believes that firm and consistent law enforcement will be the foundation for safeguarding state sovereignty and realising the vision of an advanced Indonesia. Secondly, Haedar emphasised the importance of synergy among all law enforcement agencies, including the National Police, the Attorney General’s Office, the Corruption Eradication Commission, and the Supreme Audit Agency. He stated that eradicating corruption can only be effective through an integrated system, as moral appeals and even religious authority have limits when facing structurally embedded problems. He added that the success of strategic government programmes depends on a clean government and strong law enforcement. Thirdly, Haedar reminded that no institution is perfect, and the most important factor is a strong political will to continuously improve the system. He concluded by calling on all elements of society, including the mass media, to persistently oversee the anti-corruption agenda, describing it as a long-term struggle that requires consistency and acceleration.