Written by Khalifah Al Zahran
Edited by Othaila Abuzaid
Corruption is not only carried out by state officials but also occurs in the younger generation. Some students who have the opportunity to receive higher education become the forerunners of corrupt practices in the future. Last year, the Diponegoro University Senate in Indonesia announced that the Chairperson of the Student Executive Board had misappropriated the 2023 speaking funds.
The Never-Ending Corruption Cycle ()
Efforts to eradicate corruption have been ongoing for a long time using various methods, yet almost every day, we still encounter it through the news. What is quite surprising is how a prisoner who has been caught in a sting operation can be released in a fairly short period and then be elected by the public to become a member of the board. Former perpetrators of corruption are then given the trust and authority to carry out community responsibilities, even though they have betrayed the community's trust. Data from the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) found that 49 former corruption convicts have been included in the list of permanent candidates for the 2024 elections. Even one political party has won almost 60% of the votes. It can be concluded that the public continues to vote for council members even though they have committed corruption crimes, indicating that corruption is not a matter of concern and has become public consumption.
Law Enforcement for Corruptors
In Indonesia, perpetrators of corruption are imprisoned for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 20 years to life imprisonment, along with a fine of IDR 50 million. Regarding bribery of public officials and witnesses in the United States, perpetrators of corruption will be sanctioned with $250,000, or three times the value of the corrupted money, and 15 years in prison. In China, perpetrators of corruption will be sentenced to death without conditions. However, despite the various penalties determined, corruption cases still occur in various parts of the world, especially in Indonesia.
Why Does Corruption Keep Happening?
Fudge Factor Theory: Sacred but Corrupt
Research by Dan Ariel (Duke University, 2017) on corruption cases from a psychological perspective seeks reasons why someone commits corruption. The Fudge Factor Theory, in his research, explains that all people tend to commit corruption to appear perfect. Sometimes, individuals who live with considerable wealth are still corrupt because they want to maintain a perfect public image; they resort to deceitful means to ensure their wealth never diminishes.
Are We the Next Generation of Corrupters?()
The younger generation represents the future, filling seats as council members, civil servants, state leaders, and community leaders. However, there is no positive movement within the younger generation to eradicate corruption. Instead, behaviors indicating moral degradation are observed. Brawls among students often occur in Asia, driven by emotional provocation, leading to injuries and even loss of life. Cheating and manipulating exam results have also become commonplace. The latest news about corrupt students seeking funds for personal interests foreshadows future corruption.
Dan Ariel: Moral Constraints and Corruption
What is emphasized is the morals of the younger generation, as Dan Ariel's theory suggests that all people, including the younger generation, tend to commit corruption. Before someone attempts corruption, Ariel's research suggests that reminding individuals of moral constraints can deter cheating. In his study, he asked the entire class to read the Bible before an exam, resulting in a lower percentage of students cheating compared to other classes. This effect is not solely dependent on the religiousness of the students but lies in the participants' recollection of their moral boundaries.
The Best Solution Lies with the Younger Generation ()
By instilling good morals in the younger generation, they will remember their moral limitations. Instilling honesty during the formative years, from ages 5 to 12, fostering openness in school/university organizations, and nurturing a sense of humanity as they enter adulthood can ultimately overcome corruption and prevent it from becoming widespread in the future.
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References :
Indonesian Watch Coruption. Ex-Convicts in Election [online] Available at https://antikorupsi.org/id
University Of Diponegoro. Senate : Corruption by Student Executive Chairman [online] Available at https://www.suara.com/
Duke University. Dan Ariel on How and Why We Cheat [online] Available at https://fs.blog/dan-ariely-on-why-and-how-we-cheat/