UNODC and AKPOL Celebrate Cadets as Winners of International Essay Competition on Police Integrity
A collaboration to shape Indonesian future leaders
Semarang, Indonesia - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in a collaboration with the Indonesian Police Academy (AkPol), has taken a significant step forward in fostering integrity among future law enforcement officers.
On March 4, 2024, the Akademi Kepolisian Semarang became the venue for an important event, the Courtesy Call and Award Ceremony for the UNODC Essay Competition on Police Integrity. This event not only highlighted the shared commitment of UNODC and Akpol to ethical policing but also showcased the remarkable talents of police cadets who are prepared to lead by example.
The day began with a formal courtesy call at the Lounge Tri Brata Utama, where officials from both organizations came together. Participants included the Governor and Deputy Governor of Akpol, along with key directors and department heads, and representatives from the UNODC Indonesia Office. This gathering was dedicated to celebrating the integrity and accountability within the Indonesian police force.
"We extend our gratitude for providing our cadets with the invaluable opportunity to engage in this critical competition focused on anti-corruption. This initiative is important, laying down a robust foundation for nurturing future leaders who are not just aware of the challenges of corruption but are also equipped to tackle them head-on. It prepares them to spearhead Indonesia's journey towards achieving its zenith of prosperity by 2045.” Said Inspector General of Police Krisno H. Siregar, S.I.K., M.H., Governor of the Police Academy, in his speech.
He added, “Such initiative underscores our dedication to enable an environment at the academy and within the nation that is rooted in integrity, professionalism, and exceptionalism, ensuring that our future leaders are well-prepared to navigate and lead in complex environments."
The Award Ceremony unfolded at the Gedung Manunggal, starting with the Indonesian national anthem, followed by an invocation. The ceremony was addressed by the Akpol Governor and the Head of the UNODC Indonesia Office, both underscoring the critical role of ethics in law enforcement. The focal point of the event was the presentation of awards to the essay competition winners, led by Helena Fiorentina, Ilham Muhammad Dzaki, and John Anderson Batara Aryasena, who emerged as the top honorees for their insightful explorations into police integrity. The ceremony further acknowledged the top ten finalists, with certificates and Sustainable Development Goals pins, emblematic of their commitment to global ethical standards and justice. The top 10 winners and finalists are:
- 1st place winner - Helena Fiorentina
- 2nd place winner - Ilham Muhammad Dzaki
- 3rd place winner - John Anderson Batara Aryasena
- 4th place - Ferditho Alehandro Simatupang
- Rank 5 - Brian Velino Adinata
- Rank 6 - Andreanitha Elsye Pattinasarany
- Rank 7 - Ansyah Bhakti Satyabharda
- Rank 8 - Theodore Gomgom Octofarrel
- Rank 9 - I Wayan Nugraha Satya Ananda
- Rank 10 - Tesalonika
"I wish to express my deepest admiration and gratitude to the organizers, participants, and winners of this insightful essay competition. Your collective dedication to exploring and advocating for integrity within law enforcement is not only commendable but essential for the progress of our societies. As future pillars of justice and guardians of public trust, your journey is marked by the principles of integrity, fairness, and ethical conduct you've so eloquently discussed. Let this event be a reminder of our shared commitment to uphold these values in every action we take and decision we make. I encourage you to revisit your essays and the ideals they embody regularly, allowing them to guide and inspire you through the challenges ahead. Remember, our ultimate aim is to serve and protect the citizens, with a special focus on those most in need of our support and protection. Together, with optimism and a steadfast commitment to integrity, we can foster a more just, equitable, and inclusive future for all." Said Erik Van Der Veen, Head of Office and UNODC Liaison to ASEAN.
This award ceremony stems from a broader initiative to promote ethics and integrity among police cadets in Southeast Asia. The UNODC has been organizing trainings and workshops on these subjects, culminating in an essay competition across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The competition, receiving 62 entries, aimed to deepen cadets' understanding of corruption prevention, integrity, and ethical policing frameworks.
The event on March 4 served not only as a platform to recognize individual achievements but also as an affirmation of the ongoing partnership between UNODC and police academies in nurturing a culture of integrity within law enforcement agencies.
Looking ahead, the collaboration between UNODC and the Indonesian Police Academy signifies a continued dedication to enhancing the moral compass of future law enforcement officers. As these young cadets embark on their careers, the lessons learned and the recognition received promise to influence positively the landscape of policing in Indonesia and beyond.