The Role Of Mass Media In Building An Anti-Corruption Culture In Society

Corruption is an extraordinary crime that has a systemic impact on government stability, the national economy, and public trust. The increasingly complex and widespread phenomenon of corruption in Indonesia requires a multidimensional approach in eradicating it. One relevant approach is strengthening the role of the mass media as the fourth pillar of democracy. This study aims to examine the strategic role of the mass media in building an anti-corruption culture in Indonesian society. The research method used is a qualitative approach with literature studies as a data collection technique. Data were analyzed descriptively through a study of academic references, media reports, and data from anti-corruption institutions. The results of the study show that the media has two main roles, namely as a social monitor that reveals corruption cases and as a public education agent that forms critical public awareness of the dangers of corruption. The media has also proven to be able to encourage accountability of state institutions and shape public opinion through critical, independent, and data-based coverage. In conclusion, the mass media has an important contribution to efforts to eradicate corruption, both through the delivery of transparent information and the formation of an anti-corruption culture in society. Therefore, press freedom and media professionalism need to be maintained and strengthened as part of a national strategy against corruption..