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Work Hard? Nah. In Indonesia It’s Who You Know, Not What You Know

NGL… Indonesia Feels Stuck Because of Corruption & Nepotism

Sometimes I ask myself: why does it feel like no matter how hard people try, Indonesia keeps running on the same toxic habits? Two things keep showing up in my daily frustrations: corruption and nepotism.

It’s like—everyone knows it’s bad, but we just laugh it off. Almost like it’s part of our “local wisdom.” And honestly? That mindset drives me nuts.

1. Corruption: “Just slip them some money”

Want something done faster? Pay a little extra. Want to avoid a fine? Just hand over some “coffee money.” It’s so normalized that people joke about it like it’s a life hack.

But here’s the thing—fact is, Indonesia still sits at 110th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perception Index (2023). That basically means corruption is still everywhere, from the top level to everyday interactions.
Meanwhile, Singapore ranked 5th. Over there, if a public official dares to take a bribe, the consequences are real and immediate. The government pays good salaries, but more importantly, they enforce the law consistently.

So while in Indonesia you “pay extra” to get things moving, in Singapore, the system itself is designed to move without needing bribes.

2. Nepotism: “Do you know someone inside?”

Let’s be honest—sometimes in Indonesia, getting ahead isn’t about talent or hard work, it’s about who you know. You can be the best candidate, but if the boss’s cousin also applies… well, you already know the ending.

And fact is, surveys show that 65% of Indonesian professionals believe nepotism plays a big role in hiring and promotions.
On the other hand, Singapore pushes meritocracy. Sure, no country is 100% perfect, but generally, your skills matter more than your family name. That’s why so many ambitious young people want to build careers there.

So while in Indonesia you might polish your CV endlessly, in Singapore, polishing your skills actually pays off.

3. Why This Hits Hard

Here’s what hurts: I know so many talented Indonesians who feel they have no choice but to leave. They’re tired of playing this unfair game. And honestly? I don’t blame them.

Because fact is, Indonesia loses around 600,000 skilled workers every year due to brain drain.
Meanwhile, Singapore—despite being small and having almost no natural resources—consistently ranks among the best countries to work in, mainly because the system feels fair and transparent.

It’s wild when you think about it: Indonesia has everything—land, resources, people. Singapore has none of that, but fairness alone gives them a head start.

So yeah, maybe this sounds like a rant. But for me, it’s not about hating on Indonesia—it’s about wanting better.

If Singapore can prove that fairness and strict systems work, why can’t we at least try? 

I’m just waiting for the day when I don’t have to hear: “Just pay extra lah, that’s normal here.” Because normal doesn’t always mean right.


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