(c) D. Suhardiman

How to tackle institutionalized corruption in the water sector

Lessons learned from the irrigation sector in Indonesia

This joint WIN and IWMI brief discusses the characteristics of corruption in the Indonesian irrigation sector, in particular of the upeti practice: a complex, institutionalized system in which subordinates are expected to funnel resources upwards to their superiors in exchange for better positions and social benefits.

Understanding the dynamics of such a system is crucial to realign and better target our anti-corruption work. Standard approaches focused on lessening the financial appeal of corruption will not be as effective for corrupt practices that have become intrinsic to how work relations are structured and developed. This brief points to a paradigm shift in how we address corruption, with a more critical, politically and culturally-oriented approach.

 

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Lessons learned from the irrigation sector in Indonesia
(in EN)

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