The fight against corruption in Papua has entered a new phase marked by the growing collaboration between the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Provincial Government of Papua. This partnership seeks to ensure that the region’s development agenda—especially under the framework of Special Autonomy (Otonomi Khusus or Otsus)—is implemented with transparency, accountability, and a spirit of integrity.
On November 1, 2025, the KPK reaffirmed its commitment to support Papua in building a clean and responsible government system. During a coordination meeting held in Jayapura with the governor, mayor, and regent of Papua Province, Chairman of KPK Setyo Budiyanto emphasized that true development can only stand on the foundation of integrity. Without clean governance, no program—no matter how noble—will bring sustainable progress to Papua’s indigenous communities.
“The key to development is integrity. Corruption must be prevented from the upstream,” Budiyanto stated during the meeting, echoing the institution’s core message that good governance should start from strong human resources, clear regulations, and transparent financial management.
The meeting symbolized a shared determination to transform Papua’s public sector culture—from a system plagued by mismanagement and corruption scandals into a model of ethical administration that truly serves the people.
The meeting has come at a critical moment. Recent surveys show the province’s performance in core governance indicators remains weak. For instance, Papua’s score in the “Monitoring Controlling Surveillance for Prevention” (MCSP) measure was a low 38.35 points in 2024, and its “Integrity Assessment Survey” (SPI) score was 63.73—both reflecting significant vulnerabilities.
Addressing the Shadow of Corruption and Misused Autonomy Funds
Over the years, Papua’s development efforts have been overshadowed by corruption cases that eroded public confidence. The Special Autonomy Fund, which was designed to accelerate welfare improvement for indigenous Papuans, has often been tainted by allegations of misappropriation and abuse of authority.
The most high-profile example was the case of former Governor Lukas Enembe, who was convicted for corruption and bribery related to the misuse of regional and Otsus funds of approximately Rp 1 billion. His downfall became a symbol of both the challenges and the necessity of systemic reform. The Enembe case revealed the deep-rooted governance problems—ranging from weak supervision to poor human resource capacity—that have hindered Papua’s progress for years. Besides that, the Papua Provincial Legislature, Yunus Wonda is investigated by KPK about his knowledge of the Otsus fund budgeting and APBD processes related to Enembe’s operational allocations.
Rather than seeing the scandal as a setback, the Papua government and KPK have treated it as a critical learning moment. It has become a wake-up call to strengthen institutions, improve financial oversight, and ensure that every rupiah of state money reaches its intended beneficiaries.
“Papua’s autonomy will only succeed if it is managed cleanly,” said a KPK prevention director, emphasizing that fiscal transparency must go hand in hand with public service reform. “We are here not only to investigate corruption but to prevent it from taking root in the first place.”
Reforming Governance from Within
To achieve this vision, KPK has been working closely with Papua’s provincial and regency governments to enhance capacity building and risk prevention. One of the main strategies is the strengthening of human resources (SDM) in key sectors such as procurement, budgeting, and asset management.
According to reports from the KPK’s Directorate of Corruption Prevention, several technical training sessions have been conducted in 2025, targeting local officials in Biak Numfor, Jayapura, and Nabire. These programs focus on ethics in public service, the use of digital governance systems, and accountability in public procurement.
Governor representatives expressed strong support for these initiatives, noting that improving administrative discipline and professionalism is crucial for Papua’s transformation. “We are committed to rebuilding trust,” said one official from the provincial government. “People want to see results, and those results begin with clean governance.”
This collaboration is not only limited to bureaucratic training. The KPK also encourages the local government to adopt the MCP (Monitoring Center for Prevention) system—an online platform designed to track the progress of anti-corruption measures across regions. Through MCP, Papua’s government performance can be evaluated transparently, and problem areas can be addressed more quickly.
Reviving Public Confidence through Clean Leadership
Public trust is one of the most valuable assets a government can possess. In Papua, years of mismanagement have made citizens skeptical about the use of public funds, particularly those tied to the Otsus program. The new reform initiatives, therefore, aim to rebuild this trust by showing tangible change in the way government projects are executed.
KPK’s presence in Papua is not to intimidate but to mentor and guide. “We are not only an institution of law enforcement but also partners in creating systems that prevent corruption,” said one KPK official during the Jayapura coordination meeting. The emphasis on partnership signals a more collaborative approach—where prevention and education are given the same weight as enforcement.
The local government has responded positively. Governor officials pledged to strengthen internal supervision through the Inspectorate Office, which now plays a more active role in monitoring budget allocations. Public complaint channels have also been improved, enabling citizens to report irregularities anonymously. These mechanisms are essential to ensure that governance reforms are not merely ceremonial but embedded in day-to-day administration.
The Role of Communities and Indigenous Leaders
Clean governance cannot rely solely on bureaucrats and law enforcement agencies. It requires the participation of communities, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations. In Papua, where local culture and customary authority (adat) play a central role in social life, the inclusion of indigenous voices is a strategic necessity.
KPK has encouraged local leaders to participate in anti-corruption campaigns that align with Papuan values of honesty and communal welfare. In villages and small towns, community discussions on budget transparency and Otsus fund allocation have started to grow. This grassroots involvement is vital for maintaining social oversight and ensuring that government programs truly meet local needs.
By involving local communities in monitoring projects—such as infrastructure, education, and health programs—the government and KPK aim to close the gap between policy and reality. This inclusive approach also helps prevent the reemergence of corrupt practices that once thrived in the absence of public scrutiny.
A Vision for Sustainable, Transparent Development
The collaboration between KPK and the Papua Provincial Government reflects Indonesia’s broader national agenda to strengthen regional governance and uphold justice across all provinces. President Joko Widodo’s administration has consistently underscored the importance of eradicating corruption to ensure equitable growth, especially in regions that have long faced structural challenges.
For Papua, this means transforming the image of Otsus funds—from a source of controversy into a powerful tool for empowerment. As the reforms progress, local governments are encouraged to publish transparent reports, involve independent auditors, and maintain open communication with the public.
The expected result is a more credible, efficient, and fair system where development programs—from education to infrastructure—are implemented effectively. In the long term, this will not only reduce corruption but also improve the socio-economic welfare of indigenous Papuans, aligning with Indonesia’s vision of “Papua Bangkit, Mandiri, dan Sejahtera” (Papua Rising, Independent, and Prosperous).
Conclusion
The partnership between KPK and the Papua Provincial Government marks a decisive shift toward a cleaner and more transparent era of governance. While the road to full integrity remains challenging, the ongoing reforms demonstrate that Papua is serious about breaking away from its troubled past.
Through stronger systems, better-trained human resources, and active community involvement, Papua is laying the groundwork for sustainable and ethical development. The KPK’s proactive approach—preventing corruption rather than merely punishing it—offers hope that public trust can be restored and that Otsus funds will finally fulfill their original mission: improving the lives of Papua’s people.
In the end, integrity is not only a moral value but also a development strategy. As Papua embraces this principle, the province’s journey toward prosperity will no longer be measured by the amount of money disbursed but by how honestly and effectively it is used for the people’s welfare.
