# Powerful tools or paper tigers

URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/powerful-tools-or-paper-tigers
Type: Blog
Published: 2019-09-13
Updated: 2020-03-10

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![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/1_bDHv7i0bdyDC7vGF1YbV1Q.jpeg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=600&h=337.5)

Posted on: 13 September 2019

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Transparency Int'l

On Monday, El Salvadorian president Nayib Bukele completed his first 100 days in office. Just before that deadline, he [announced](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-d/) the creation of an anti-corruption commission, the CICIES. While an important step, the commission is currently limited in scope and falls short of its role model, the now defunct [CICIG](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-h/), when it comes to having the power to tackle corruption.

But with the UN pledging its [support](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-k/) and sending a delegation to El Salvador, there is hope that the CICIES will eventually have the necessary powers and independence to effectively address corruption and impunity.

Meanwhile in Indonesia, a regional champion of anti-corruption is at [risk](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-u/) of being turned into a paper tiger. Parliament is set to discuss the revision of a law governing the running of the country’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), which could jeopardize the organisation’s independence. President Joko Widodo seems determined to [agree](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-o/) to the revision, even if this means a setback for Indonesia’s fight against corruption.

“Attempts to weaken the independence and authority of the KPK have serious potential to undermine its commendable anti-corruption efforts in recent years,” said Delia Ferreira Rubio, Chair of Transparency International. If Indonesia is to further improve these efforts, global standards like the [United Nations Anti-Corruption Convention](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-b/) and the [Jakarta Principles](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-n/) need to be respected.

International organisations have a [crucial role](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-p/) in enforcing such standards and addressing corruption. The IMF illustrated this when it made installing an effective anti-graft framework in Ukraine a [condition](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-x/) of further financial support. There has been some positive development recently: Ukraine’s [High Anti-Corruption Court](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-m/) has finally come into action and will hopefully drive changes in the entire judicial system; and new whistleblower [legislation](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-c/) is on its way. However, in a country where around US$ 4 billion are [lost](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-q/) to corruption each year, much remains to be done.

In Ukraine and elsewhere, international organisations and civil society need to work together to enforce strong anti-corruption standards and ensure the rule of law.

What do you think? Tell us [@anticorruption](https://transparencyinternational.createsend1.com/t/r-l-jdwhhid-l-a/).

For any press inquiries please contact <press@transparency.org>