Cultural Dimensions of Corruption in Indonesia: Between Tolerance and Resistance

Abstract

Corruption in Indonesia is not only a legal and political challenge but also a deeply embedded cultural phenomenon. This paper explores the cultural dimensions of corruption, focusing on how social norms, values, and informal practices contribute to both tolerance and resistance toward corrupt behavior. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and cultural theory, the study examines how concepts such as “patronage,” “gotong royong” (mutual cooperation), and hierarchical social relations shape perceptions and practices of corruption at community levels. Findings reveal a complex ambivalence where corruption is simultaneously normalized as a means of survival and rejected as a moral and civic violation. This duality creates significant challenges for anti-corruption initiatives, which often clash with entrenched cultural patterns. The paper contributes to global debates on the importance of culturally sensitive anti-corruption strategies by highlighting Indonesia’s unique social context. It calls for policies that balance legal enforcement with community engagement and cultural awareness to foster sustainable anti-corruption change.