Theological Ethics and Corruption: Examining Indonesia’s Religious Communities' Response to Corruption in Politics and Business

Abstract

Corruption remains a pervasive issue in Indonesia’s political and business environments, deeply impacting social justice and economic development. This paper investigates how various religious communities in Indonesia—Islamic, Christian, and other faith groups—respond to corruption from the perspective of theological ethics. The study examines key theological texts and ethical principles that address integrity, justice, and moral conduct within each faith tradition, exploring how these principles inform the attitudes of religious leaders, institutions, and followers toward corruption. In Islam, the ethical concepts of amanah (trust) and halal (lawful) are explored in relation to business practices and governance, while Christian teachings on honesty, stewardship, and the ethical responsibility of leaders are analyzed in the context of corruption. The paper also considers how religious communities actively engage in anti-corruption advocacy, including the role of religious leaders in promoting transparency and moral leadership in public life. The research evaluates the practical effectiveness of these religious responses to corruption, as well as the challenges posed by a complex political and economic environment. Ultimately, the paper discusses how theological ethics can provide a foundation for combating corruption and promoting justice in Indonesia's public and private sectors.