Conference: Indonesian Youth against Corruption
Jakarta (Indonesia), 30 November 2009 - "Student movements have helped change the course of history many times in the last 100 years. Students have a very powerful voice, they know that they can make a change," said Ajit Joy, UNODC Crime Prevention Expert, in his opening speech at the Indonesian Youth against Corruption Conference
The Conference, which was held from 20 to 25 November 2009, provided a forum for over 100 youths from all around Indonesia to come together and share their concerns about corruption and its impact on their communities. These young people put forward ideas on how to fight local corruption and identified opportunities for working with civil society and religious leaders. During the event, they had the opportunity to interact with some of Indonesia's foremost anti-corruption experts: Todung Mulya Lubis, Hikmahanto Juwana, George Junus Aditjondro and Amien Sunaryadi.
UNODC and Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission supported law students from the University of Indonesia in hosting the event, making it the first large-scale national anti-corruption conference to be held by Indonesian youth. Ilham Wahyu, President of the Student Law Society, believes that youths can promote ethics, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption within their communities.
The Conference culminated in a declaration by participants to support the fight against corruption and the development of a national action plan to guide future youth action. The youths expressed hope, solidarity and a commitment to making Indonesia a strong and corruption-free country.
The conference is one of a series of events to be held as part of the Justice Festival hosted by the law students in the lead up to International Anti-Corruption Day, which is marked every year on 9 December. A book outlining the recommendations of youths for governmental institutions, civil society and universities to better address corruption will also be launched on that day.
