“Don’t tell me you’re against corruption if you still bribe police when they pull you over,” a spirited rapper screamed at concert-goers at the Bulungan sports complex in South Jakarta on Saturday.

Those in the audience, mostly teens from Greater Jakarta, shouted back in unison agreeing to what the rapper, Panji Pragiwaksono, said. Panji performed at the Speak Fest, a concert organized by Transparency International Indonesia (TII) and SPEAKS (Anticorruption Youth) to observe International Anti-Corruption Day.

“Next time a police officer pulls you over a for traffic offense, you should ask for a ticket and a court hearing. Bribing officers gives you the easy way out and you will repeat the same violations,” Panji told the crowd.

Other performers at the gig included socially conscious indie band Efek Rumah Kaca, veteran punk band Superman Is Dead and pop band Kunci.

The anticorruption messages these performers relayed were well-received by fans.

Muhammad Thoriq Balvast, an 18-year-old university student, said the musicians warned him that corruption was the easy way out, especially for the youth.

“For example, many of us lie to our parents when we ask for money for tuition fees. Sometimes we ask for more than we need,” he said. “And many of us also bribe police when we are caught for traffic violations.”

For fellow student Nur Fitriansyah, the concert opened her eyes to the long and winded road this country would have to take before it could eradicate corruption.

“Indonesia will always be left behind if corruption remains pervasive. It is shameful to know that your country is famous for its corruption,” she said.

Speak Fest coordinator Retha Dungga told The Jakarta Post that by inviting musicians to perform and speak at the event, she hoped the message could get across clearly.

“We want to tell these young people that corruption is not exclusive to adults, it is also their issue. We also hope that with this concert, the youth can contribute to stopping the cycle of corruption in Indonesia,” she said.

TII deputy executive director Rezki Sri Wibowo said the concert was aimed at raising awareness among the youth, especially those from middle- to upper-income families.

“With the money they have, these young people can easily bribe police when they are caught for traffic violations. They are also the ones likely to buy answer sheets for exams,” he said.

Rezki said that by creating greater awareness about corruption, such habits could be stubbed out.

“I also hope that youngsters can be more critical about politics, such as by not electing dirty politicians in the next general elections,” he added. (map)

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