Strengthening the Pillar of Integrity: Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Briefing for Jombang Regency Government Agencies

A Strategic Milestone Toward Clean Governance

On July 7, 2025, Rini Ismiati, S.H., M.Kn., CLMC, Founding Partner of Jurist Terra & Co, delivered a briefing to all Regional Government Agencies (OPDs) in Jombang Regency regarding the implementation of Good Governance and the prevention of corruption to achieve clean, transparent, and accountable governance.

Literally, “Good Governance” translates to “Tata Kelola Pemerintahan yang Baik.” This concept goes beyond mere efficient administration; it refers to the process by which power and authority are used to manage a nation’s social and economic resources for development.

In the context of administrative law, the implementation of Good Governance is not merely a policy choice but a constitutional mandate and a normative obligation. The principles of good governance—such as transparency, accountability, participation, the rule of law, and efficiency—are enshrined in various regulations, including:

1. Law No. 28 of 1999 on Clean and Corruption-, Collusion-, and Nepotism-Free (KKN) Governance;
2. Law No. 14 of 2008 on Public Information Disclosure;
3. Law No. 23 of 2014 on Regional Government, which requires professionalism and effectiveness in the administration of government affairs;
4. Government Regulations regarding the Government Agency Performance Accountability System (SAKIP) and the Government Internal Control System (SPIP).

In “Governance for Sustainable Human Development,” the UNDP identifies nine key characteristics that a governance system must possess to be categorized as Good Governance. These nine pillars often serve as the primary benchmarks for assessing the quality of governance:

1. Participation: All citizens, whether directly or through representatives, must be involved in the decision-making process.
2. Rule of Law: The legal framework must be fair and enforced impartially, particularly human rights laws.
3. Transparency: Decisions and their implementation must be conducted openly. Information must be easily accessible and understandable to the public.
4. Responsiveness: Institutions and processes must strive to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.
5. Consensus-Oriented: Mediation of differing interests to achieve broad consensus on what is best for the community.
6. Equity and Inclusiveness: All groups, especially the most vulnerable, have the opportunity to improve or maintain their well-being.
7. Effectiveness and Efficiency: Processes and institutions must produce results that meet the needs of the community while making optimal use of resources.
8. Accountability: Decision-makers in government, the private sector, and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and institutional stakeholders.
9. Strategic Vision: Leaders and the public must have a broad, long-term perspective on human governance and sustainable development.

The emphasis on good governance is the first line of defense (a preventive measure) against corruption. If the basic principles of governance are properly implemented, the scope for corruption will automatically narrow. The prevention of corruption is at the core of the guidance provided. Legally, corruption offenses are specifically regulated under Law No. 31 of 1999 as amended by

Law No. 20 of 2001. There are at least 30 corruption offenses divided into seven categories, including financial losses to the state, bribery, embezzlement in office, and extortion.

Critical areas of government administration that are vulnerable to corruption include:

1. Procurement of Goods and Services: Emphasis on compliance with procurement regulations and the use of electronic auction systems (e-procurement) to minimize interactions prone to bribery.
2. Local Budget Management: The importance of integrity in the preparation of the Work Plan and Budget (RKA) as well as transparent and timely accountability reporting.
3. Control of Gratuities and Conflicts of Interest: An in-depth explanation of the limits and reporting obligations regarding gratuities, as well as the management of situations that give rise to conflicts of interest in decision-making.

Key Roles of OPDs: SPIP and a Culture of Integrity

In the context of prevention, this briefing also serves as a means to strengthen OPDs’ understanding of the Government Internal Control System (SPIP). Effective implementation of SPIP—which encompasses the control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring—serves as a legal tool for OPD leaders to ensure that local government assets and finances are managed in accordance with regulations.