Incresing Institutional Capacity for the Key to Effectivennes OECD Initial Memorandum Preparation

Indonesia has become one of the candidates from Southeast Asia who has successfully entered the accession process at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Starting on July 14 2023, Indonesia sent a letter of interest in accession as a member of the OECD which then received approval for accession discussions on February 20 2024, which means Indonesia has received approval to become a candidate at the OECD. The Accession RoadMap that the OECD has provided to Indonesia on May 2 2024. This will be used as a guide to regulatory standards at the OECD as a condition for becoming a full member of the OECD. 

The next stage is the preparation of important documents, namely Initial Memorandum. This document aims to assess Indonesia's readiness to meet OECD standards and criteria. Discussions discussed in the Initial Memorandum include policy reform, the economic sector, anti-corruption, healthy competition, consumer policy and technology policy. Preparation of this document will involve Multi-Stakeholder which involves ministries and institutions whose role is to prepare the Initial Memorandum document. But of course this cannot be separated from the challenges that the government will face, because it looks back at the regulations that occur in Indonesia. For example, corruption cases in the country often occur. Is Indonesia able to prepare this important document as one of the conditions for accession to the OECD?

Realizing the Initial Memorandum (IM) for Indonesia's membership in the OECD faces significant challenges, especially related to the problems of fraud and corruption that still exist within the country. Despite efforts by the government and institutions such as the Corruption Eradication Committee (KPK) to improve governance and eradicate corruption, corrupt practices are still a serious problem. The existence of this fraud can disrupt the IM preparation process which must reflect integrity and transparency.

To strengthen regulations and increase integrity and transparency in the preparation of the Initial Memorandum (IM) for Indonesia's membership in the OECD. The government needs to further strengthen anti-corruption laws by clarifying sanctions and increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement. This includes strengthening the role of the Corruption Eradication Commission and other law enforcement agencies. Apart from that, implementing better transparency mechanisms in public procurement and use of the state budget. For example, using digital platforms to openly report on government spending and projects.