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Institutionalized corruption in Indonesian irrigation: An analysis of the upeti system
Author(s) -
Suhardiman Diana,
Mollinga Peter P.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
development policy review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.671
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1467-7679
pISSN - 0950-6764
DOI - 10.1111/dpr.12276
Subject(s) - language change , indonesian , agency (philosophy) , norm (philosophy) , political science , politics , political corruption , transparency (behavior) , public administration , public relations , sociology , social science , law , art , linguistics , philosophy , literature
This article analyzes the internal logic of the upeti system in Indonesian irrigation and brings to light how corruption rules are shaped through complex socio‐political relationships reflected in the organizational culture of the irrigation agency. Based on 100 interviews with water sector professionals the article highlights: (1) the importance of social relations in shaping institutionalized corruption, (2) how the upeti system justifies corruption practices as the prevailing social norm, and (3) the need for structural change to eradicate corruption. Illustrating how corruption rules are embedded in project management procedures, with projects highly dependent on donor funding, the article highlights the importance of the issue for international agencies and the need to be more politically grounded in promoting their development agenda.