Message from the President – NAFC 2025
Becik ketitik, ala ketara.
“Goodness will surface, wrongdoing will reveal itself.”
With deep gratitude, I extend my sincere appreciation to all participants, speakers, partners, and organizers who contributed to the success of the National Anti-Fraud Conference (NAFC) 2025 in Yogyakarta. Over the course of two days, a spirit of transparency and honesty flowed through every session, proving that the resolve to fight fraud remains strong across all levels of our national life.
Prior to the conference, ACFE Indonesia Chapter launched the 2025 Call for Papers as a reflective opening that traced the journey of anti-corruption efforts from Indonesia’s independence era to the present reform period. The increasing participation each year reflects a growing recognition that research and critical thought are vital pillars in strengthening our national anti-fraud system.
NAFC 2025 was more than just a scholarly forum. It became a meeting ground for integrity guardians—from regulators to civil society—who share the belief that honesty is a long path that must be walked together. From insightful panel discussions to the launch of two strategic publications, we learned that building an anti-corruption ecosystem requires the synergy of values, leadership, and ethical awareness.
By embracing the theme “Becik Ketitik, Ala Ketara,” this conference invites us to believe that truth will always reveal itself in time. Yogyakarta, with its fusion of moral values, knowledge, and exemplary character, served as the perfect host to reaffirm that in the fight against fraud, a steadfast conscience and strong collaboration are the cornerstones of our national resilience.
Key Takeaways
In his opening address, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X urged us to return to rasa—an inner moral compass that underpins integrity in Javanese culture. He emphasized that eradicating corruption requires more than legal instruments; it calls for cultural sensitivity, character education, and the internalization of ethical values in daily life.
In his keynote speech, Vice Chairman of BPK RI, Dr. Budi Prijono, reinforced this message through an institutional lens. He highlighted the need for robust oversight systems and risk-based audits to combat fraud. Leadership by example, digital competence, and the courage to continuously improve systems are vital to preserving public accountability.
Panel 1 reflected on cultivating anti-corruption character through education, continuous training, and courageous leadership. Technical competence must be paired with moral courage and the internalization of values as a way of working, not merely as administrative compliance.
Panel 2 explored fraud risks in natural resource management. From illegal mining to conflicts of interest, the session called for systemic responses: data-driven oversight, public participation, and institutional synergy to ensure fair and transparent resource governance.
Panel 3 revealed the dark side of capital markets, including financial statement manipulation and hidden transactions. The solution goes beyond formal governance—cutting through to the core of honesty, sharp auditing, and a comprehensive understanding of risk.
Panel 4 addressed the reinforcement of Indonesia’s new Criminal Code (KUHP) and the growing complexity of digital fraud. Cyber-enabled fraud demands adaptive proof mechanisms, incident reporting, and stronger cross-agency collaboration.
Panel 5 brought fresh insights by integrating cultural, psychological, and moral education approaches. Anti-corruption awareness must stem not from fear, but from a sense of social responsibility. Integrity, ultimately, is a mindset that guides decisions and actions.
Panel 6 emphasized the urgency of corporate criminal liability to uphold compliance and ensure business sustainability. The new KUHP establishes clear legal grounds to hold companies accountable. Ethical leadership, internal controls, and real implementation of anti-bribery policies are essential. Compliance is no longer a burden, but a strategic investment.
Panel 7 explored AI-driven digital fraud threats like deepfakes and voice phishing. It underscored the need for adaptive responses using detection technologies, digital literacy, and forward-thinking regulations.
The conference concluded with a reflective monologue by Taufiequrrahman Ruki, who reminded us that fraud often begins with a breach of fiduciary duty. Prevention is not merely a matter of systems and punishment, but of moral courage to uphold integrity under pressure. In a world full of interference, only those at peace with themselves can say “enough.”
Amidst the panel discussions, ACFE Indonesia Chapter proudly launched two strategic initiatives. The 2025 Indonesia Fraud Survey Report, mapping national fraud trends through field-based data and The book Anti-Fraud Journey—The Untold Story, capturing deep reflections from 62 cross-sector practitioners on how fraud is prevented, detected, and fought in real and inspiring ways.
Lesson Learned and Call to Action
The NAFC 2025 affirmed that fraud eradication cannot rely solely on regulations and technology. Personal integrity, exemplary leadership, and an organizational culture that rejects compromise are the true foundations of a resilient system. In this digital era, new threats such as AI manipulation demand sharper ethical awareness and digital capability.
Cross-sector synergy is key in addressing the multifaceted nature of fraud. Preventive approaches must shift from rule-based compliance to value-based integrity. In this model, inner moral awareness—not fear of sanctions—becomes the main driving force.
Institutional leaders must strengthen tone at the top and adopt risk-based internal controls. The education system, too, must instill anti-corruption values through character formation and reflection—not just technical knowledge. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence must be harnessed not only to detect fraud, but to reinforce an ecosystem of integrity.
Finally, all elements of society—public and private alike—are called to take an active role as guardians of honesty within their own spheres. Fraud is not merely a legal offense, but a betrayal of public trust. Let us carry the spirit of Becik Ketitik, Ala Ketara as our shared moral compass in building a clean and integrity-driven Indonesia.
Because in the fight against fraud, integrity is not just an option—it is a way of life that must be upheld together.
With respect and hope,
Dr. Hery Subowo, CFE
President, ACFE Indonesia Chapter.