He warned that OECD accession requires firm adherence to good-governance principles, including credible enforcement and institutional integrity, as Jakarta accelerates efforts to qualify for full membership.
“OECD requires high standards of integrity and transparency,” Mahendra said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He delivered the remarks at the inauguration of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Islamic Economists Association (IAEI) for the 2025–2030 term.
Mahendra said Indonesia aims to secure full OECD membership within three years, a target he said aligns with its standing as one of the world’s five or six largest economies.
Related news: Indonesia boosts oversight to meet OECD integrity standards
He also raised alarms over rising online gambling, saying illicit financial flows generated from such activities now surpass the losses caused by corruption.
“This must be a shared concern. Issues of corruption, online gambling and narcotics must be addressed with firm action,” he said.
Earlier, Indonesian Anti-Corruption Coalition (KAKI) Chairman Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas underscored the private sector’s role in strengthening corporate governance as part of Indonesia’s OECD roadmap.
“If Indonesia wants to join the OECD soon, the private sector must have robust anti-bribery compliance systems to mitigate risks,” he said.
Hardjapamekas, a former deputy chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), said strong internal controls in companies are critical to meeting OECD standards.
He also stressed the urgency of corporate-governance reforms ahead of the new Criminal Code’s implementation on January 2, 2026, which will introduce explicit corporate criminal liability.
Related news: Indonesia eyes OECD to boost exports and attract global investment
Translator: Agatha, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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