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Investigative Coverage Supports Anti-Corruption Prevention Movement – Considering the Role of Women

Every member of society can contribute in supporting the anti-corruption movement. The TEMPO Institute, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Press Council (Dewan Pers) held a discussion in Jakarta on July 12, 2017 to examine how media and civil society organisations, through investigative journalism, could support the anti-corruption movement. 

The speakers at the discussion session included Husaimah Husain (Emma), representing the SPAK (I am a Woman Against Corruption) movement in Makassar, Laode Muhammad Syarif (Vice Chairman of KPK), Iman Wahyudi (member of the Press Council), Agus Sunaryanto (Researcher at Indonesia Corruption Watch), and Setri Yasa (Executive Editor of Koran Tempo).

In the opening of the dialogue session, Mardiyah Chamim, Director of the TEMPO Institute, commented, "The SPAK movement is interesting. We know that women from all parts of society are affected by corruption but we rarely hear women tell their stories in public."  

According to Emma, a common theme in the stories of many SPAK members, is the inner struggle of women who realise that they actually encounter many potentially corrupt practices in their everyday life. "Initially when they join the training, they are proud of their status as a SPAK agent. But over the course of the training, they start to notice the heavy burden that lies ahead because it involves everyday choices." Emma shared a story on how a mother decided to quit her job as a contractor after joining SPAK.

Also, the presence of women as SPAK agents is expected to foster the principles of honesty as part of family values. Findings from KPK's research (2012-2013) in Solo and Yogyakarta indicate that only about four percent of parents educate their children about the importance of honesty in their daily attitudes and interactions.

For journalists, Emma stressed the need for coverage around corruption prevention efforts, including education and the role of the family. She noted that the change stories from SPAK agents reflect the success of corruption prevention efforts. Unfortunately, the majority of media coverage tends to focus on corruption cases and legal action. This tendency was also referred to by a number of other speakers.

"Journalism must bring certainty in the midst of uncertainty. What is happening is that people are suffering from information overload. The results of investigative coverage should reveal, current, clear information, leave no questions and provide benefits for the public interest, "said Iman Wahyudi.

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