We conducted the 5th Discovery Trip to Indonesia in 2004. The broad objective of the DT was to gain more understanding about corruption, collusion, and nepotism or KKN in Indonesia. We visited experts in the field of economics and law. Economically, the cost of corruption was particularly high for two main reasons: 1. business becomes not competitive in the global market and 2. the country experience heavy debt load. Combination of lower foreign investment and radicalization of the people had led to the marginalization of Indonesia. Indonesia was not relevant and was often ignored by the other South East Asian nations particularly Malaysia. The lawyer shared with us 67 discriminative laws that had handcuffed us from being a pluralistic, free, democratic, and corruption-less nation.
Ahok, current lieutenant governor of Jakarta, is known for his strong stand against corruption
Confronted with these facts, we felt like being thrown out into a battlefield without any mean to fight back, surrounded by these conspiring corruptors, and trapped in the corrupt system. These feelings were apparently shared by many Indonesians. They felt trapped and forced to participate in the corruption. Deep down, we knew that corruption is wrong. However, the feeling was not mutual among the powerful government and military officials. They shared no remorse in extorting bribes from the powerless masses. After decades of corrupt practice, without a doubt, corruption was in grained and cultivated in every sphere of Indonesian life.
However, we were reminded that God is in control. The most powerful man in Indonesia for 32 years was toppled within a week. This was a true miracle. You could see how the hand of God worked to purge Indonesia from its sins. We also directly elected our president that year. This was amazing because it put the power back to the people. This would give the people opportunity to select a morally sound leader.
We were blessed to be meeting the Christian economist. He reminded us that all these opportunities would be wasted if there was no one willing to carry the cross. God said in Ezekiel 22:30-31, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done”.
God asks us to follow Jesus, carry the cross, and stand in the gap for Indonesia. God wants us to build the wall over Indonesia so that all He sees is the sacrificial works of His people. Corruption was and always is the number one issue that rots the soul of Indonesia. God asked us to stand against corruption with every fiber of our being, if we do not want to see His wrath pour over Indonesia.
At the end of the DT, we were challenged and continually inspired by the Holy Spirit within us. We believe that the cross was and always is more powerful than the corruption in Indonesia. We should have no fear and be willing to die fighting to deny corruption in Indonesia.