Sydney Law School alumnus named 2018 Alumni of the Year

The award, which recognises the significant contribution to a chosen professional field by alumni of the Australia Awards Scholarships, was presented by Mr Allaster Cox, Australian Chargé d’Affaires to Indonesia. The Australian Government funded scholarships offer the next generation of Indonesian leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia.

“The award means a lot because I feel I have done something good for the betterment of Indonesia, especially in the area of environmental protection and anti-corruption,” said Dr Syarif.

“I also feel this award signifies the importance of my collaboration with my many Australian colleagues and I am proud to act as the bridge between Indonesia and Australia.”

In his current role as Commissioner for the Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK), Indonesia’s highly respected anti-graft commission, Dr Syarif has been widely recognised for his contribution to anti-corruption, good governance and environmental law in Indonesia.

Amongst his biggest achievements has been the investigation of the Electronic Identity Card case - the biggest graft/fraud case in Indonesia - involving many high-ranking officials including the former speaker of the Indonesian parliament.

“This case involves many jurisdictions such as: Indonesia, Singapore, USA, India, Mauritius, and many other countries. I do hope the KPK can successfully prosecute all the individuals and corporations involved in this case,” said Dr Syarif.

Another achievement for Dr Syarif was the issuance of the Supreme Court Regulation on Corporate Criminal Liability which was drafted by the KPK team. In addition, the establishment of the KPK Anti-Corruption Learning Centre (ACLC) which will become the legacy of his term in KPK.

Dr Syarif spent seven years in Australia pursuing postgraduate education as an international student. Under an Australia Awards Scholarship, Dr Syarif completed a Master of Laws from the Queensland University of Technology in 2001 and later his PhD in Law from the University of Sydney in 2006.

Dr Syarif talks about his time at the Sydney Law School and how it played a major role in his in his personal career development.

“Undertaking my PhD study at Sydney Law School broadened my horizons and networks and at the same time contributed to the recognition of my work in Indonesia, Australia and beyond. The completion of my PhD study created a new opportunity in my life that seemed remote in the past. And therefore, I am indebted to the generosities of my ‘mom’ (alma mater), the University of Sydney.” 

Read more about Dr Laode Syarif here.