Public Perception and Trust in Anti-Corruption Institutions in Post-Reformasi Indonesia

Abstract

Public trust is a vital indicator of the legitimacy and effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions. This paper investigates the evolution of public perception and trust toward Indonesia’s key anti-corruption bodies, notably the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the judiciary, in the post-Reformasi era. Using survey data, media analysis, and focus group discussions conducted across urban and rural areas, the study explores factors influencing public confidence, including institutional performance, transparency, and political interference. Results show a fluctuating level of trust: initial optimism during the early Reformasi years has been tempered by recent controversies, legal reforms, and perceived politicization. While the KPK remains relatively trusted compared to other institutions, public skepticism is growing, especially among younger demographics and marginalized groups. The study argues that restoring and sustaining public trust requires greater institutional transparency, independence, and consistent enforcement of anti-corruption laws. This research contributes to the international discourse by emphasizing the critical role of public perception in sustaining anti-corruption regimes, especially in transitional democracies where institutional legitimacy is fragile.