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This research explores the paradox of persistent corruption in Jepara despite high anti-corruption scores and e-government adoption. It evaluates how integrating local wisdom enhances prevention efforts.

June 8, 2026Open Access

An Analysis of Corruption Prevention in Jepara: The Integration of E-Government, Legislative Functions, Legal Integrity, and Local Wisdom

Key Points

This research explores the paradox of persistent corruption in Jepara despite high anti-corruption scores and e-government adoption. It evaluates how integrating local wisdom enhances prevention efforts.
Utilized quantitative Path Analysis to examine influences on corruption prevention.
Data collected via structured Likert-scale questionnaires from 226 respondents including local officials and governance experts.
Assessed factors like legislative function, legal integrity, and local wisdom in relation to e-government integration.
Legal Integrity significantly mediates the relationship between e-government and corruption prevention.
Local Wisdom significantly moderates bureaucratic behavior, bridging regulation and practice.
The integration of traditional cultural ethics improves modern anti-corruption strategies.

Abstract

This study investigates a corruption prevention paradox in Jepara Regency, Indonesia, where massive financial crimes persist despite high Monitoring Center for Prevention (MCP) scores and robust Electronic-Government (E-Government) adoption. The research aims to deconstruct the failure of purely technocratic anti-corruption approaches by emphasizing the sociological context of human operators. Utilizing quantitative Path Analysis, this study examines the influence of Legislative Function, Legal Integrity, Local Wisdom, and E-Government Integration on Corruption Prevention. Data was acquired through structured Likert-scale questionnaires distributed to 226 respondents, comprising local government officials, legislative representatives (DPRD), governance experts, and cultural preservation figures. Findings reveal that while E-Government and legislation provide essential regulatory frameworks, Legal Integrity acts as a critical mediator. Furthermore, Local Wisdom, as measured through indicators of Ratu Kalinyamat's meritocratic leadership philosophy and the socio-cultural ethos of Jepara woodcarving, functions as a significant socio-cultural moderator that bridges the gap between theoretical regulation and actual bureaucratic behavior. The novelty of this research lies in its mathematical demonstration that integrating traditional cultural ethics fundamentally enhances the efficacy of modern anti-corruption systems. Ultimately, sustainable local corruption eradication requires a holistic synthesis of digital transparency, legislative accountability, and deep-rooted cultural ethics. These findings urge Indonesian regional governance policymakers to incorporate localized moral frameworks alongside technocratic oversight to achieve genuine bureaucratic reform.

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