LIN Marks Ninth Anniversary with Pledge to Monitor State Spending and Report Findings to President

LIN Chairman Robi Irawan Wiratmoko said the organization would provide full support to its regional branches as they investigate public complaints and monitor the use of state funds in accordance with established procedures.

"We do not have law enforcement powers. Our role is to investigate, uncover facts and bring public complaints to the attention of the relevant law enforcement authorities," Robi said in Jakarta on Monday (Nov. 3, 2026).

His remarks came as LIN marked its ninth anniversary, coinciding with Indonesia's Youth Pledge Day commemorations. They also followed reports from Jackson S. Sambow, head of LIN's Mandala 4 regional division covering Sulawesi, Papua and Maluku, who also leads the organization's branch in Southwest Papua.

Robi said LIN was a legally registered civil society organization whose role included serving as a public watchdog over government administration and the management of public finances.

He cited the organization's legal registration under the Ministry of Law, with registration number AHU-0000907.AH.01.08.TAHUN 2026, and Notarial Deed No. 01 dated June 4, 2026.

Legal basis for public oversight

Robi referred to several Indonesian laws that provide a legal framework for public participation in preventing and combating corruption.

These include Article 41 of Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Corruption, as amended by Law No. 20 of 2001, which recognizes the public's right to seek, obtain and provide information concerning suspected corruption.

He also cited Government Regulation No. 43 of 2018 on Public Participation in the Prevention and Eradication of Corruption, as well as Law No. 28 of 1999 on clean and corruption-free state administration.

According to Robi, these provisions provide a basis for civil society organizations to monitor government activities, gather information and report suspected wrongdoing to the relevant authorities.

LIN cites access to state audit reports

Robi also addressed questions about whether a non-governmental organization such as LIN could access audit reports issued by Indonesia's Supreme Audit Agency (Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan, or BPK).

He cited Article 19(1) of Law No. 15 of 2004 on the Audit of State Financial Management and Accountability, which stipulates that audit reports submitted to representative institutions, including parliament and regional legislative councils, are open to the public.

Robi said publicly accessible BPK audit reports could be used by civil society organizations as reference material to examine government spending and identify potential irregularities.

He acknowledged, however, that access remained subject to applicable public information disclosure rules and exemptions.

"LIN has the right to access, examine and analyze BPK audit reports that are publicly available. If we identify indications of irregularities or state financial losses, we will forward the findings to the Attorney General's Office or the police," he said.

Regional branches receive backing

Robi outlined four priorities for LIN's regional branches as the organization enters its tenth year.

First, LIN will strengthen monitoring of government programs and the use of public funds.

Second, its national leadership will provide full organizational support to regional members conducting investigations in accordance with internal operating procedures.

Third, LIN is prepared to escalate reports of suspected irregularities that receive inadequate follow-up at the regional level to relevant central government authorities, including the president where necessary.

Fourth, the organization urged regional governments to follow up on BPK audit recommendations, including the settlement of identified state financial losses in accordance with applicable regulations.

Robi referred to the 60-day deadline under Article 20 of Law No. 15 of 2004, which requires officials responsible for implementing BPK recommendations to submit follow-up actions no later than 60 days after receiving the audit report.

He said LIN would continue examining public complaints involving suspected failures to implement audit recommendations.

"As LIN enters its ninth year, we are ready to support the president's efforts to oversee state finances and prevent corruption. I urge all regional leaders and members to work based on facts, evidence and established investigation procedures," Robi said.

"If serious findings are not properly addressed, we are prepared to take them to the national level," he added.

LIN said it would continue to position public oversight as part of broader efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government spending.(gus)