Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) was established amid major political reforms in 1998. Instigated by several Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) activists, ICW was founded on the premise that corruption must be eradicated, as it continues to impoverish people and obstruct justice.

While Indonesia is blessed with plentiful natural resources, the distribution of welfare has traditionally not been fair, and not everyone has enjoyed in its riches. Indeed, many people continue to live in poverty with the gap between rich and poor striking. In addition, corruption is still rampant in among numerous legislative, executive, and judicial bodies. The country is controlled by mafia: energy mafia, forest mafia, and legal mafia. All of the nation’s sectors are dominated by a conspiracy of a handful of ruling elites and corrupt business people.

ICW promotes democratic and corruption-free governance with a just outlook on economy, social aspects, and gender. We also believe that Indonesians must have the strength and organisation to monitor and control the course of government. The people must be instrumental in decision making and support efforts to eradicate corruption.

Since its establishment, ICW has exposed and overseen major corruption cases involving public officials, such as the allegation of corruption against former Attorney General Andi Ghalib, the BLBI case, the YLPPI case worth 100 billion rupiah, the case of police generals’ ‘fat accounts’, the Texmaco case, the corruption around Hajj funds within the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the purchase of Sukhoi aircraft, and a number of other cases.

ICW also oversees regulations that support and further the eradication of corruption, such as the policies and laws concerning the KPK, Witness and Victim Protection, Public Information Disclosure, Elections, Money Laundering, and the National Education System.

ICW collaborates with artists, educators, religious leaders, and human rights, environmental and feminist activists to spread the message that honesty is the first step in eradicating corruption. To strengthen public participation in the anti-corruption movement, ICW is supported by public donations, on the proviso that the donations given are not derived from corruption or other criminal activities.

We work with 42 partners throughout the various regions of Indonesia. We empower potential actors to create political, legal, economic and bureaucratic systems that are just and free from corruption. Eradicating corruption is everybody’s responsibility, and is by no means easy. However, with a strong civil society and the hard work of all, Indonesia can shake off the shackles of corruption. The flame that keeps burning is the hope that, in the end, we can effect change for Indonesia.

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