Good governance is the buzzword of the day. Conventional wisdom has it that less corruption would translate into more economic growth, a healthier body politic and reduced likelihood of conflict. But what if this isn’t always the case? In Indonesia, patronage and corruption serve as the glue that keeps an otherwise fractious country together. Although there are cases where corruption has promoted conflict, in other instances it has helped restore peace in the country. A more nuanced and less ideological view of "corruption" is needed if countries are to fight graft without undermining peaceful co-existence.Elizabeth Pisani is a London-based journalist and epidemiologist, best known for her work on HIV/AIDS. Her latest book is Indonesia etc., which looks at one of our most important neighbours and how they live.

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