Depok, Indonesia — In a bold move to reinforce ethical governance, the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) has launched a campus-wide campaign against gratification, calling on its academic community to uphold the highest standards of integrity, also known as Zona Integritas.

The initiative, titled “UIII Against Gratification: Strengthening Integrity Together,” represents a pivotal step in the university’s broader mission to foster transparency and accountability across its academic and administrative systems.

“Gratification, in any form, has the potential to compromise the impartiality and credibility of our institution,” said Diana Fitri Dahli, ST, Head of UIII’s Internal Supervisory Unit (SPI). “We are committed to cultivating a culture where integrity is not just expected, but actively protected.”

Gratification, defined as any gift or benefit that may influence decision-making, has long posed challenges to public institutions in Indonesia. Within the academic sphere, it often appears in subtle forms: a token of appreciation to a lecturer, a favor exchanged for preferential treatment, or gifts that blur the line between gratitude and undue influence.

To mitigate these risks, UIII has enacted Rector’s Regulation No. 19 of 2023, a formal policy that outlines procedures for identifying, reporting, and managing gratification within the university. “This regulation empowers faculty, staff, and students to report suspected violations through a dedicated online portal,” said Hatta Auliya, S.E., Head of UIII’s Organization, Human Resource, and Legal Bureau (OKH). The portal is accessible at: https://ppid.uiii.ac.id/pelaporan-gratifikasi.

But the campaign goes beyond regulation, it seeks to reshape campus culture. Posters, digital banners, and internal communications now carry the message: “Let’s uphold integrity together.” “We hope this language resonates beyond compliance,” said Dr. Chaider Bamualim, University Secretary. “It’s about embedding ethical vigilance into the daily rhythm of campus life.”

Governance and education experts have praised the initiative as timely and forward-thinking. “Universities are moral compasses for society,” said one Jakarta-based education analyst. “By taking a stand against gratification, UIII is setting a precedent for other institutions to follow.”

As Indonesia amplifies its national anti-corruption efforts, UIII’s campaign delivers a potent reminder: the battle for integrity is won not only in courtrooms but in the everyday conscience of its citizens, starting within the walls of its classrooms. []