KPK Views Corruption as an Ecosystem Following Emergence of Circle Phenomenon

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) assesses that corruption in Indonesia has now become like an ecosystem, especially following the emergence of the circle phenomenon. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that the circle phenomenon involves the participation of several parties besides the main perpetrators in corruption cases. “This circle not only plays a role during the modus operandi of corruption but also often serves as a layering (layer, ed.) for receiving money or as a means to disguise and channel funds from alleged corruption offences,” Budi told journalists in Jakarta on Monday. He further noted that the circles of main perpetrators in corruption cases handled by the KPK can originate from family members, trusted individuals, work colleagues, to political associates. They may even be involved in various roles or positions. “Some are involved from the initial planning process, jointly carrying out the acts, and there are also those who act as layers or intermediaries in receiving corruption proceeds, up to parties that help store or disguise the flow of funds,” he said. Meanwhile, in Tulungagung, East Java, and Riau, there are trusted individuals acting as circles to collect or serve as intermediaries for the flow of money. “Not only that, the KPK has also uncovered layered schemes in Customs cases. Besides alleged cash receipts stored in safe houses, we also found the use of work colleagues’ names misappropriated as nominees or used as accounts to hold funds,” he said. Thus, he stated that the KPK views these examples as indicating that corruption has become like an ecosystem. “This condition shows that corruption is like an ecosystem. There are those who orchestrate, those who execute, and those who store,” he remarked. “However, it is also necessary to unravel the entire network involved. Integrity cannot be built individually but must be strengthened from the closest environment such as family, work colleagues, to political networks,” he added. As for KPK enforcement data from 2004 to 2025, it shows there are 1,904 corruption offenders based on gender who have been handled by the anti-corruption agency, consisting of 1,742 males or 91 percent of the total and 9 percent or 162 females.