LIN’s 9th Anniversary: Strengthening Integrity, Expanding Service to the Nation

Chairman of Jaringan Media Indonesia Raya (JAMIRA)

The ninth anniversary of an organization is more than a milestone marking the passage of time. It is an opportunity to reflect on its journey, assess its contributions, address its shortcomings, and define its priorities for the future.

For Lembaga Investigasi Negara (LIN), the ninth anniversary, to be commemorated in Jakarta on November 1, 2026, provides an important opportunity to reflect on its organizational development and renew its commitment to serving communities, the nation, and the public interest.

As Chairman of Jaringan Media Indonesia Raya (JAMIRA) and a partner of LIN, I believe civil society organizations have an important role to play in strengthening public participation, promoting accountability, and helping communities address social and legal challenges.

However, that role must be accompanied by integrity, professionalism, and responsibility. An organization's success cannot be measured solely by its age, the size of its network, or the number of activities it conducts. A more meaningful measure is the extent to which its presence delivers tangible benefits to the public.

Community Advocacy as a Form of Public Service

One aspect of LIN's journey that deserves attention is its involvement in advocacy and assistance for communities facing various challenges.

In South Sulawesi, LIN has been involved in advocating for Indigenous communities in Luwu and Gowa. In Bangka Belitung, the organization has also undertaken advocacy and provided assistance in matters related to mining.

These efforts illustrate the potential role of civil society organizations in bringing community concerns to public attention, facilitating dialogue, and encouraging the resolution of disputes through lawful channels.

Issues affecting Indigenous communities, for example, may involve the recognition of customary rights, legal certainty, the protection of community interests, and relationships with other stakeholders.

Mining-related issues in Bangka Belitung can also involve legal certainty, economic interests, environmental conditions, and the livelihoods of local communities. Each situation requires careful fact-finding and an approach suited to its specific circumstances.

Responsible advocacy must therefore be grounded in verifiable information, respect the rights of all parties, and prioritize fair solutions in accordance with the law.

These advocacy efforts can provide a foundation for LIN to strengthen its work in the years ahead. Proper documentation, clear follow-up procedures, and systematic evaluations are important to ensure that the progress and impact of its work can be assessed and accounted for publicly.

Ultimately, public service requires more than expressions of solidarity. It must be demonstrated through concrete efforts to help communities access information, submit complaints, pursue their rights responsibly, and seek solutions to the problems they face.

Integrity Must Be the Foundation of the Organization

Public trust is one of the most valuable assets any organization can possess. It is not built solely on a prominent name or an extensive network, but on consistency between words and actions.

As LIN enters its ninth year, it must continue strengthening integrity at every level, from its central leadership to its regional branches. Every member must understand that representing an organization carries significant responsibilities.

Members' conduct, statements, and actions in public can affect the reputation of the entire institution. Codes of conduct, organizational discipline, compliance with the law, and internal evaluation mechanisms should therefore form an integral part of institutional development.

An organization that identifies itself with investigative work must also ensure that its members can gather information lawfully, verify facts, understand legal issues, and distinguish allegations from established findings.

Public oversight is an important element of democratic life. Citizens have the right to report concerns, monitor public services, and promote transparency and accountability. Such efforts, however, must be conducted responsibly and must not rely on prejudice or unverified accusations.

LIN can contribute by lawfully gathering information, submitting complaints, assisting communities within the applicable legal framework, and encouraging the relevant authorities to follow up on reported concerns.

The authority to conduct criminal investigations and inquiries remains with law enforcement agencies as provided by Indonesian law. Understanding these boundaries will strengthen LIN's credibility as an organization committed to professionalism and the rule of law.

Expanding the Network Must Go Hand in Hand with Improving Quality

Another challenge is ensuring that organizational growth is matched by improvements in the quality of public service.

An extensive network can be a major asset when supported by competent personnel, effective coordination, and consistent working standards. Without stronger institutional capacity, however, expansion risks producing uneven performance across different regions.

LIN should therefore continue investing in training in legal awareness, information verification, public communication, advocacy ethics, and the proper procedures for submitting complaints.

Organizational programs should also be designed with clear objectives and measurable indicators of success. Performance should not be judged solely by the number of activities conducted or the volume of publicity generated, but by the progress achieved and the benefits delivered to communities.

Capacity building must be accompanied by regular evaluation. Lessons from field experience can then be used to improve working methods and strengthen the quality of services.

LIN should foster an organizational culture that recognizes achievements while remaining open to scrutiny and willing to correct shortcomings.

Strong Partnerships Without Sacrificing Independence

Civil society organizations cannot operate in isolation. Cooperation with local governments, law enforcement agencies, the media, businesses, and other civil society groups can create opportunities for more effective programs.

As a partner organization, JAMIRA believes institutional relationships should be built on equality, mutual respect, and shared objectives that benefit the public.

Partnerships should not end with agreements, meetings, or ceremonial events. They must translate into practical programs, stronger institutional capacity, responsible information sharing, and efforts to address issues of common concern.

At the same time, civil society organizations must preserve their independence and critical judgment. Supporting beneficial programs does not mean overlooking shortcomings. Constructive criticism grounded in facts is itself an important contribution to improving public institutions and services.

LIN has an opportunity to become a productive partner to a broad range of stakeholders while continuing to exercise its social oversight role responsibly.

Independence and partnership are not mutually exclusive. They can coexist when an organization remains committed to integrity, the rule of law, and the public interest.

Entering the Tenth Year with Measurable Priorities

LIN's ninth anniversary on November 1, 2026, should serve as a starting point for a more concrete agenda as the organization enters its tenth year.

At least five priorities deserve attention.

First, strengthen the organization's code of conduct and internal discipline to ensure that members operate according to principles of integrity, professionalism, and legal compliance.

Second, improve human resource capacity so members can carry out oversight and advocacy with care, objectivity, and responsibility.

Third, develop sustainable community service programs with clear targets and measurable outcomes.

Fourth, strengthen documentation, transparency, and internal evaluation so that the organization's contributions can be assessed on the basis of its work.

Fifth, expand strategic partnerships without compromising independence, objectivity, or the public interest.

These priorities do not have to be achieved all at once. What matters is establishing clear goals, implementing them consistently, and being willing to evaluate results openly.

LIN's experience in advocacy in South Sulawesi and mining-related matters in Bangka Belitung can provide valuable lessons for its future engagement with community issues. Going forward, those experiences should inform stronger institutional capacity, more systematic assistance, and clearer follow-up procedures.

Entering the tenth year should therefore mean more than continuing the journey. It should mean raising the standard of the organization's contribution to society.

An Anniversary Is Not Just a Celebration, but a Renewed Commitment to Service

LIN's nine-year journey is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of everyone who has helped establish and sustain the organization. Yet, appreciation for past achievements must be accompanied by a willingness to address shortcomings and respond to emerging challenges.

Communities need organizations that do more than appear when problems arise. They need institutions that contribute through education, prevention, assistance, and the pursuit of practical solutions. They need organizations willing to raise concerns while carefully verifying the facts; critical of public policies and services while respecting the law; and capable of building extensive networks without losing sight of the needs of people at the grassroots level.

As Chairman of JAMIRA and a partner of LIN, I hope this ninth anniversary will strengthen the spirit of cooperation, improve institutional quality, and expand collaboration that delivers tangible benefits to communities.

Happy 9th Anniversary to Lembaga Investigasi Negara, November 1, 2026.

May LIN continue to grow as an organization committed to integrity, professionalism, independence, and responsible service to the public, the nation, and the state.

Ultimately, an organization's greatest measure of success is not how frequently its name is mentioned or how far its network extends, but how much its presence benefits communities and how responsibly it fulfills its mandate.

Strengthening integrity, expanding service to the nation — this is both the challenge and the aspiration for LIN as it enters its tenth year. (*)