Religion In Name, Corruption In Practices: The Paradox of Indonesia

Laurencia Evelyn Budiarto, Prof. Dr. Nur Rachmat Yuliantoro, S.I.P., M.A.(IR)

2026 | Skripsi | Ilmu Hubungan Internasional

Indonesia is a state where religion is so profound in its social and political fabric, yet corruption continues to thrive at all levels of government. While religion is often seen as a moral compass, it has been unfortunately exploited to justify corrupt practices by those with authority. This presents a paradox of conflicting coexistence between religious ideals and political practices. This paper seeks the reasons for religion's inability to prevent corruption despite its perceived role as a guide to life. Through the lens of the Multilevel Analytical Model of Corruption, this paper examines political corruption cases in Indonesia associated with religion used for moral legitimacy. Data were collected from official statements, press releases, court verdicts and findings, news reports, and institutional documents using the qualitative method. This paper finds that religion has a limited capacity to curb corruption, as its effects mostly operate at the individual level. Meanwhile, organisational norms and the broader political strucutre prepetuate corruption and overshadow personal ethics.

Indonesia is a state where religion is so profound in its social and political fabric, yet corruption continues to thrive at all levels of government. While religion is often seen as a moral compass, it has been unfortunately exploited to justify corrupt practices by those with authority. This presents a paradox of conflicting coexistence between religious ideals and political practices. This paper seeks the reasons for religion's inability to prevent corruption despite its perceived role as a guide to life. Through the lens of the Multilevel Analytical Model of Corruption, this paper examines political corruption cases in Indonesia associated with religion used for moral legitimacy. Data were collected from official statements, press releases, court verdicts and findings, news reports, and institutional documents using the qualitative method. This paper finds that religion has a limited capacity to curb corruption, as its effects mostly operate at the individual level. Meanwhile, organisational norms and the broader political strucutre prepetuate corruption and overshadow personal ethics.

Kata Kunci : religion, corruption, Indonesia, multidimensional approach.