Indonesian and British Anti-Graft Agencies Strengthen Collaboration
In a bid to combat transnational corruption more effectively, Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) of the United Kingdom have joined forces to enhance collaboration. This partnership was solidified during a recent meeting at the KPK’s headquarters in Jakarta, where officials from both anti-graft agencies gathered to discuss plans for an upcoming technical training session scheduled for February 25.
The KPK, in a statement released the following day, revealed that the initiative would involve key stakeholders such as the British Embassy, Indonesia’s National Police (Polri), and prosecutors. This move underscores the commitment of both countries to tackle corruption on a global scale and aligns with Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to accede to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Setyo Budiyanto, chairperson of the KPK, highlighted the significance of collaboration with the SFO in supporting Indonesia’s accession to the OECD. Expressing confidence in the British government’s expertise in investigating bribery cases involving foreign public officials, Budiyanto emphasized the fruitful partnership that has developed between the KPK and SFO since the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2010.
The MoU has facilitated the exchange of crucial information, data, and experiences on corruption and money laundering cases, as well as joint training activities. Notably, the two agencies have previously collaborated on high-profile corruption cases involving companies like PT Pertamina, PT Garuda Indonesia, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and Innospec. Budiyanto commended the successful cooperation between the KPK and SFO, noting that the commission has documented this success in a comprehensive book.
On the other hand, SFO director Nick Ephgrave expressed his office’s unwavering commitment to the long-term partnership with the KPK, recognizing the Indonesian agency as a valuable and strategic ally. Ephgrave disclosed plans to dispatch two senior investigators to Indonesia to share best practices and insights during the upcoming workshop/training session. Additionally, the SFO reiterated its dedication to collaborating with the KPK in recovering assets linked to corruption cases, further solidifying their shared mission to combat financial misconduct and uphold integrity.
This collaborative effort between the Indonesian and British anti-graft agencies marks a pivotal step towards fostering international cooperation in the fight against corruption. By leveraging each other’s resources, expertise, and experiences, the KPK and SFO aim to strengthen their collective impact in uncovering and prosecuting corrupt practices that transcend borders. As they continue to build on their successful partnership, both agencies are poised to set a compelling example of effective collaboration in combating corruption on a global scale.
