The potential of interprovincial money laundering in Indonesia: investigation on the attractiveness and destination choice

Purpose The purpose of this study is to ascertain the level of attractiveness of each province in Indonesia as a potential destination for money laundering activities originating from Jakarta. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a quantitative approach, this study uses the Walker Gravity Model, which has been modified in two key components: the attractiveness and distance variables. The first modification is achieved by using proxy economic variables, for which data is available at the provincial level within a country. The utilization of proxy data serves to circumvent certain data limitations inherent to the original model, which is only accessible at the country level. The second modification is introduced to the distance component, wherein this study develops a distance index that is deemed to be more representative than physical distance used in the original model. Findings The research findings indicate a notable correlation between economic activity and the risk of money laundering, with provinces in closer proximity to Jakarta exhibiting a higher likelihood of being targeted for money laundering activities. However, there are exceptions for some provinces that, despite their distance from Jakarta, also demonstrate a high potential for money laundering due to their strong economic ties to the capital city. Originality/value The existing studies on money laundering attractiveness, extent and flow at the provincial level in Indonesia using quantitative approaches are limited. This paper provides new insights into the economic and governance landscapes of Indonesian provinces, highlighting the need for tailored anti-money laundering strategies.