Understanding the influence of vested interests on politics of anti-corruption in Indonesia

ABSTRACT The aim of conceptual article is to consider the available literature regarding associations between the role of vested interests and its impacts on anti-corruption measures in Indonesia. Research focusing on vested interests as a side-effect of political-economic reforms in the Indonesian context is limited, although there are extensive studies regarding the impact of neo-liberal reforms consisted of democratization, market liberalization and institutional reforms on the effectiveness of anti-corruption approaches in developing countries. Indonesia is one of the developing countries applying neo-liberal reforms expected to curb corruption more effectively. Because vested interests are very persistent and likely to be more influential to the anti-graft approaches during the transitional periods in Indonesia, there is a need to understand the ways in which the vested interests work. The key outcome of this article is to highlight the need to better understand how the persistent corrupt forces have created an unpredictable and uncertain future of Indonesia’s anti-graft agenda. Recommendations for future research regarding associations between the role of vested interests and effective or ineffectiveness of anti-corruption machines are provided to stimulate more empirical attention to this area to support Indonesia to create more transparent and accountable politico-business environment.