Political Will in Anti-Corruption Reform: A Study of Presidential Policies in Indonesia

Abstract

Political will is widely regarded as a crucial determinant of successful anti-corruption reforms. This paper examines the role of presidential leadership and policy initiatives in shaping Indonesia’s anti-corruption landscape from the Reformasi era to the present. Utilizing a qualitative policy analysis and discourse analysis of presidential speeches, decrees, and legislative proposals, the study investigates how political commitment manifests in practice and its impact on institutional reforms, particularly focusing on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and judiciary reforms. The findings reveal a complex relationship between political will and anti-corruption outcomes, where episodic support from presidents often clashes with entrenched political interests and bureaucratic resistance. While some administrations have championed bold reforms, others have exhibited ambivalence or even undermined key institutions. The paper argues that genuine political will requires consistent, transparent, and sustained actions beyond rhetoric, coupled with an enabling political environment. This study contributes to the international debate by illustrating how leadership dynamics influence the durability of anti-corruption reforms in emerging democracies. It offers policy recommendations to strengthen executive accountability and promote cross-institutional cooperation for more effective corruption control in Indonesia and comparable contexts.