Anti-Corruption Youth

Ladies and gentlemen, I understand, that many of us have become so weary and exasperated seeing how corruption is getting very prevalent in our country. In almost every area of occupation, corruption can be done in a highly organized way, being barely touched by the law.

Before I proceed, I would like to explain to you how corruption is defined generally and specifically.

According to my research, corruption is generally defined as a dishonest and fraudulent conduct done for private gains. Although corruption is commonly attributed to the government sector, it also prevails tremendously in the business sector.

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners expounds what corruption is, in a form of a Fraud Tree. Fraud is divided into three: Corruption, Asset Misappropriation, and Fraudulent Statements. Corruption itself is divided into four branches: Conflicts of Interest, Bribery, Illegal Gratuities, and Economic Extortion. Conflict of Interest occurs when a person has an undisclosed economic or personal interest in a transaction that adversely affects the company. Bribery, (the one we are so familiar with,) can be defined as offering or giving anything of value to influence an official act or business decision. Illegal Gratuities are similar to bribes, but there is not necessarily intent to influence a business decision. Usually, the gift is given after the official act is done or after a business deal is over, which makes it hard to prove. Economic Extortion is basically the opposite of a bribery fraud. Instead of offering, the person demands.

According to Indonesia Corruption Watch, just within a period from January 1^st – June 31^st, 2012, Indonesia has lost 1220 billions rupiah due to 285 cases of corruption. It is also estimated that about 30% of the national budget (APBN) is lost to corruption.

Even so, many efforts have been tried to be made to eradicate corruption. Corruption Eradication Commission has been long erected. However, corruption is still getting rampant and keeps undermining the rule of law. What is actually going on?

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners mentions in its video three causes why people commit fraud. They call it the Fraud Triangle. First reason is that the person may be trapped under an onerous pressure, second he may a great opportunity to do so, and third he rationalizes corruption as not a crime because the majority is doing it.

Bess Myerson says, “The accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference.” Ladies and gentlemen, we own this country. Young people, the future of this nation is in our hands. We are the ones who will be the future leaders of Indonesia. We may not be able to change the present condition, but we ARE more than able to change the FUTURE condition. So where are we bringing this nation? To a deeper darker pit of corruption? Or to those marvelous days when truth speaks louder than money?

It doesn't take an extreme genius to change this nation. But we can change Indonesia. We – who are young and dauntless enough to take hold of integrity even under terrible pressure. We – who are daring enough to remain trustworthy even the so-called opportunity is right in front of our eyes. We – who are bold enough to stop rationalizing things and stay doing what is right just because it IS right.

And, we – who are courageous enough to stake our life and ego for the sake of righteousness and justice.

Young people, let us educate, train, and equip ourselves. But on top of all, let integrity rule over our life before destruction does. As Philip Dormer says, Keep your hands clean and pure from the infamous vice of corruption. Accept no present whatever; let your character in that respect be transparent and without the least speck.

And remember that as every sweet oranges begin with very tiny orange seeds, so is integrity.

If it is not we who start, who else will?