Legal Literacy - Corruption is one of the crucial problems faced by the Indonesian nation. Corrupt acts can cause enormous losses to state finances and the national economy. Therefore, eradicating corruption is an important agenda that must be carried out by the government and society.

Definition of Corruption

Corruption (tindak pidana korupsi or tipikor) is defined as an unlawful act that is contrary to the duties, authorities, or positions held by a person, whether intentionally or unintentionally, resulting in financial losses to the state or the state economy.

Corruption can be committed by anyone, whether by state officials, civil servants, or other people who use their positions or positions to commit corruption.

Elements of Corruption

The elements of corruption can generally be formulated as follows:

  • Legal subject: The perpetrator of corruption must be a person who has certain authorities or positions, whether state officials, civil servants, or other people.
  • Legal object: The legal object of corruption is state finances or the state economy.
  • Unlawful act: The act committed by the perpetrator of corruption must be against the law, both formally and materially.
  • Consequence: The unlawful act must result in financial losses to the state or the state economy.

Types of Corruption

Corruption can be classified into various types, including:

  • Bribery corruption: Corruption committed by giving or promising something to a state official in order to do or not do something in his position.
  • Extortion corruption: Corruption committed by asking for or receiving something in return for doing or not doing something in his position.
  • Gratification corruption: Corruption committed by receiving gifts or promises, either directly or indirectly, that are contrary to their obligations or duties.
  • Abuse of authority corruption: Corruption committed by abusing authority or position to benefit oneself or others.
  • Money laundering corruption: Corruption committed by concealing or disguising the origin of assets obtained from corruption.

Sanctions for Corruption

Sanctions for corruption are regulated in Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001. Sanctions that can be imposed on perpetrators of corruption can be in the form of imprisonment, fines, and revocation of certain rights.

  • Imprisonment: The imprisonment that can be imposed on perpetrators of corruption is a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 20 years.
  • Fine: The fine that can be imposed on perpetrators of corruption is a minimum of IDR 200 million and a maximum of IDR 1 billion.
  • Revocation of certain rights: Certain rights that can be revoked from perpetrators of corruption are the right to be elected in public office, the right to become a state official, and the right to hold certain positions.

Eradication of Corruption

Eradicating corruption is a shared responsibility of the government and society. The government has an important role in enforcing the law against perpetrators of corruption. Society also has an important role in supporting efforts to eradicate corruption, including by increasing legal awareness and an anti-corruption culture.

Efforts to eradicate corruption can be carried out in various ways, including:

  • Law enforcement: Law enforcement against perpetrators of corruption must be carried out firmly and consistently.
  • Prevention: Efforts to prevent criminal acts of corruption can be carried out in various ways, including by increasing transparency and accountability in the administration of government, as well as strengthening the oversight system.
  • Education and socialization: Education and socialization about anti-corruption must be carried out widely to the public, especially to the younger generation.

Eradicating criminal acts of corruption is not an easy task. However, these efforts must continue to be carried out consistently so that the Indonesian nation can be free from corruption.