JAKARTA – USAID INTEGRITAS, through KEMITRAAN, hosted the International Anti-Corruption Day (HAKORDIA 2024) celebration with the theme “Youth as Key Actors in Breaking the Chain of Corruption.” This initiative underscores the critical role of Indonesian youth, who comprise 23% of the population, in leading the country toward a corruption-free future.
The celebrations began in Makassar (South Sulawesi), Surabaya (East Java), Medan (North Sumatra), and Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara), culminating in the grand event held at Usmar Ismail Hall, Jakarta, on December 20, 2024. The finale featured a variety of activities, including youth discussions, social media campaigns and competitions, a photo exhibition, a performance by No Grey Zone Band, a moving monologue by prominent public figure Abraham Samad, anti-corruption poetry recited by actress Cornelia Agatha, and a youth declaration against corruption.
KEMITRAAN Executive Director Laode M. Syarif expressed enthusiasm for the role of youth in combating corruption.
“Empowering Indonesia’s youth with the right tools and connectivity is crucial to breaking the cycle of corruption. Their energy and creativity are essential to building a resilient and corruption-free Indonesia,” he stated.
Similarly, Ahmad Qisa’i, Anti-Corruption Advisor at USAID Indonesia, emphasized the importance of involving young people in anti-corruption efforts.
“Corruption undermines democracy from within, erases hard-won development progress, and erodes trust in public institutions. The United States supports Indonesia’s efforts to prevent corruption by engaging civil society and strengthening a culture of integrity in both the public and private sectors,” he said.
Musfirah Rasyid, an alumnus of the ToT Youth Against Money Politics and founder of the Disability Network in Makassar, also participated in the KEMITRAAN Anti-Corruption Festival. She highlighted the need for all segments of youth, including those with disabilities, to be involved in fighting corruption.
“Combating corruption requires the inclusion of all segments of society, including persons with disabilities. Initiatives that empower young people with disabilities like me are vital to building a just and inclusive community,” she stated.
The festival was a collaborative effort involving the USAID INTEGRITAS Consortium, ASA Indonesia, Kopel Indonesia, Paramadina University, Bakrie University, Al-Azhar Indonesia University, and Multimedia Nusantara University.
