KPK Proves Digitalisation Is No Guarantee Against Corruption: Backdoor Practices Persist

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Setyo Budiyanto stated that digitalisation in government, particularly in procurement, does not guarantee freedom from corrupt practices. Setyo highlighted that many officials still attempt to manipulate the system to commit fraud.

He made the remarks during a presentation at the launch of an ASN e-learning programme held at the National Institute of Public Administration (LAN) in Jakarta on Wednesday (17/6/2026). Setyo initially urged civil servants (ASN) to refrain from improper conduct so that the digitalisation programmes already in place would not be in vain.

“Because, if we carry out all activities without integrity, then what has been created, what we have all collaborated on through digitalisation, is merely a tool,” Setyo said.

Setyo noted that the KPK has proven many cases where digitalisation has been circumvented. Corrupt practices in procurement are sometimes carried out through hidden mechanisms or backdoors.

“The tool can be tricked. We have proven this in many cases, it appears to be digitalised but the backdoor can still be exploited,” he said.

Setyo cited the manipulation of e-catalogue systems as a common example. He emphasised that corruption can still occur within sophisticated systems if the individuals involved lack integrity.

“The easiest example I can give is the e-catalogue. Digital procurement can still be manipulated, it can still be tampered with. Closed during the day, opened at night. Why? It comes back to the human resources,” Setyo stated.