KPK Chief: Corruption Modus Operandi Remain the Same, Just Repackaged

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Setyo Budiyanto has stated that the modus operandi of corruption uncovered through sting operations (OTT) still relies on old patterns. According to him, perpetrators are merely repackaging conventional methods in slightly new ways.

“Based on the analysis I received from the deputies at the KPK, it turns out the modus operandi are just the same old ones, returning to conventional methods, only packaged in slightly new ways,” Setyo said after a meeting on corruption prevention collaboration at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Jakarta on Friday.

Setyo cited examples of corruption in the procurement of goods and services. One method involves inflating prices or marking up costs, as well as rigging the tender process to benefit certain parties. “The requirements for the Owner’s Estimate (HPS) are conditioned, and the requirements for participants are set in a way that, although they could have been met from the start, because there is an interest in a specific vendor, the requirements are tailored to that collaborating vendor,” he said.

Furthermore, he explained that information regarding the tender could be leaked in advance to a particular vendor. As a result, other participants who do not receive this information are likely to lose out in the procurement process. “Vendors who are already affiliated get the requirements leaked to them, but the others do not. So, people who do not get the information end up losing in the process,” he stated.

Setyo also addressed corruption in the buying and selling of positions and employee transfers. He argued that such practices can damage the government’s management system. He reminded that appointments in regional governments must be based on necessity and the quality of human resources, not political proximity. “Appointments and so on must be based on a background that is indeed qualified, not just because ‘oh, this is my campaign team, this is the person who defended me during the regional head election process’, and so on,” he said.