Prof. Dr. Nugroho Sumarjiyanto Benedictus Maria, Msi, a lecturer of Doctoral Program in Economics Diponegoro University, was inaugurated as a professor of economics on Thursday 29 September 2022. The inauguration ceremony for professors was held at the Prof. Soedarto, UNDIP Tembalang. In the inauguration, Prof. Nugroho delivered a speech entitled “Economy and Corruption: Can Indonesia Be Free From Corruption?”

Professor Nugroho presents an economic approach to analyze the causes, impacts, and prevention and eradication of corruption. This is motivated by the fact that corruption is an extraordinary crime that requires serious prevention and eradication. Serious efforts have been shown by the government such as the establishment of the Corruption Eradication Commission which and the existence of the Corruption Crime Act. On the other hand, these efforts have not shown maximum results, as indicated by two indicators, namely the high level of corruption in Indonesia and the large number of corruption cases handled by the KPK.

One reason why eradication of corruption in Indonesia have not led to the maximum result is that the analysis of the causes, impacts, and policies to prevent and eradicate corruption tend to ignore an economic approach. Whereas the economic approach is very suitable to be applied considering that humans are economic creatures (Homo Economicus) who consider all their actions on the basis of profit and loss (Benefit/Cost). With an economic approach, it is hoped that the prevention and eradication of corruption in Indonesia will result in better condition.

Profesor Nugro also proposes the application of an economic approach in preventing and eradicating corruption in the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, through among others: the establishment of the UNDIP WATCH, preparation and trial of anti-corruption education courses, and research on topics related to corruption with an economic approach