Three Taruna Akpol Achieve Excellence in UNODC Essay Competition
In a bid to instill the value of integrity in the younger generation of law enforcers, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Indonesian National Police Academy (Akpol) awarded three winners of an international essay competition on the importance of integrity in law enforcement on Monday, March 4th, 2024.
The award ceremony, graced by leaders from UNODC and Akpol, marked a significant moment in the history of police education in Indonesia, emphasizing the crucial role of ethics and integrity for future law enforcement officers.
The triumphant winners, Helena Fiorentina, John Anderson Batara Aryasena, and Theodore Gomgom Octofarrel, had participated in an international essay competition focusing on police integrity. Amidst feelings of pride and joy, the three champions, along with a fellow Taruna Akpol named Tesalonika, shared their thoughts, messages, and hopes regarding the importance of integrity in upholding the law.
Championing Integrity: The Winners’ Perspectives
Helena Fiorentina, reflecting on her success in clinching the first prize, expressed that her achievement was not merely a personal victory but a symbol of the youth’s potential in building the nation’s integrity. “My essay centered on corruption as Indonesia’s greatest enemy. I wanted this essay to be the voice of the youth, inspiring my generation to speak up and act against corruption,” shared the level 4 Taruna Akpol.
Meanwhile, Tesalonika, also a level 4 Taruna, titled her essay to advocate for collaboration between all segments of society and the police in fostering integrity. “Collaboration between the community and the police is crucial in creating an anti-corruption culture,” emphasized Tesalonika.
Through her essay, Tesalonika aimed to showcase that positive change begins with strengthening the foundations of policing, protecting, nurturing, and serving the community with integrity.
Inspiration and Aspirations: Insights from the Winners
In alignment with Helena and Tesalonika, John Anderson drew inspiration from societal dynamics in addressing corruption. His essay aimed to highlight the synergistic role between the community and the police in preventing corruption. “Corruption is not just an issue of the integrity of law enforcement officers but also about the needs of the enabling society. We need to collectively raise awareness and collaborate to combat it,” articulated the level 2 Taruna.
Furthermore, Gomgom, also a level 4 Taruna, expressed his gratitude for being able to voice his aspirations through the competition. “The title of my essay, ‘Exiling the Parasites from the Red and White,’ illustrates how corruption has harmed our nation. I hope that through this competition, more young people will be inspired to uphold integrity and fight against corruption,” elucidated Gomgom.
“The journey towards integrity is not always easy, but this award is evidence that every step we take matters. Let us continue to keep the flame of integrity burning in every action, for a better future,” remarked Erik Van Der Veen, the Head of the UNODC Office and Liaison for ASEAN.
Governor of Akpol, Inspector General of Police Krisno H. Siregar, S.I.K., M.H., expressed his appreciation, stating, “Thank you to UNODC and everyone involved in this competition. Let us continue to build strong character and integrity among law enforcement officers, ensuring that Indonesia progresses with a solid and ethical foundation.”
This article is a collaboration between the United Nations Indonesia and Tribunnews. For more information, visit the official UN Indonesia website.
