KPK Chief Highlights Bureaucratic Mindset as Root of Corruption in Public Services

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that corrupt practices in the public service sector often begin with deviations that are considered trivial. These deviations then develop into major violations.

KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto stated that one of the causes is a mindset that is not oriented towards serving the public.

“If it can be slowed down, why speed it up? If it can be made difficult, why make it easy? If the bureaucratic chain can be lengthened, why shorten it?” Setyo said at the National Institute of Public Administration (LAN) building in Jakarta, Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Setyo explained that such a mindset can create opportunities for illegal levies (pungli) in public services.

“The matter should be trivial and accountable, but for various reasons, gratification starts, small illegal levies, then conflicts of interest, abuse of authority, and so on,” he revealed.

On the other hand, he also highlighted the habit of giving, which is still considered normal by some members of society.

“Often, many people give this as part of tolerance. Why? Because of Eastern customs, culture, respect. Just small things, we seem to consider it as something that is fine, normal,” said Setyo.

Setyo then reminded that deviant practices do not usually start with major violations, but from small things that are tolerated. He cited the practice of illegal parking as a simple example.

“Rp2,000, Rp3,000, Rp5,000, we might consider it small change. However, because it is extorted or tolerated, the money certainly does not just go to the parking attendant. The money also flows to the parking manager, perhaps the area manager, maybe those who control the area, and even to officials,” he said.

According to him, allowing such small practices can create a wider chain of irregularities.

“We consider it normal. But if we clean it up, I believe it will become something extraordinary,” he stated.

One of the alleged corruption cases related to public services currently being handled by the KPK this year is suspected extortion in the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals and gratification within the Directorate General of Immigration for the period 2022–2026.