Syura: Journal of Law
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026)

Mens Rea in Anti-Corruption Law: Challenges and Approaches in Regional Legal Frameworks

Triana Dewi Seroja (Universitas Internasional Batam)
Emiliya Febriyani (Universitas Internasional Batam)
Vicko Taniady (Monash University, Australia)
Febri Jaya (Universitas Internasional Batam)
Antony Antony (Universitas Internasional Batam)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines the implications of mens rea in anti-corruption laws across Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, focusing on the philosophical basis behind corruption as a breach of the social contract. The objective is to assess how the mens rea concept in these countries' legal frameworks impacts the effectiveness of anti-corruption enforcement. Through normative legal research, the study analyzes key legal norms, particularly focusing on inconsistencies in mens rea provisions that may hinder the full potential of anti-corruption laws. The findings reveal that while Indonesia’s framework incorporates severe penalties and reverse burden of proof, its inconsistency in defining corrupt intent weakens its deterrence power. Thailand’s legal framework, although more consistent, lacks provisions for willful blindness, while the Philippines suffers from fragmented laws and ambiguous mens rea standards. The study highlights the need for a more coherent mens rea framework to strengthen anti-corruption enforcement and align legal systems with public expectations for government integrity and accountability.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

syura

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Syura is a journal of Law, published biannually: on Februari and August by Constitutional Law Department, Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Darul Ulum Banyuanyar Pamekasan, Indonesia. The objective of Syura is to offer the highest quality research to the broadest possible audience. The Editorial aims to ...