Against corruption: Kaka, vocalist of popular local band Slank, sings before anti-corruption activists at the Proclamation Monument on Sunday. The activists were rolling out the motto Cinta Indonesia, Cinta KPK (CICAK) (Love Indonesia, Love the KPK). The KPK is the Corruption Eradication Commission. JP/ J. Adiguna
Two former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chiefs appealed to the public Sunday to support the KPK in its fight against corruption and called for an end to moves to weaken the authority of the graft watchdog.
Former KPK chief Taufikurrahman Ruki and his former deputy Erry Riyana Hardjapamengkas made an appearance at the launch of CICAK (Cinta Indonesia Cinta KPK, or Love Indonesia, Love the KPK) at the Proclamation Monument in Central Jakarta on Sunday.
“These days, corruptors are fighting us all. They are systematically trying to end the fight against corruption,” Ruki told hundreds of supporters at the event.
Ruki called on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to take real measures to save the KPK.
“Pak SBY, you are a former military officer. You must be brave and take action because this country is being destroyed by corruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, Erry Riyana said the current KPK should not lose sight of its goals in the absence of its suspended chief, Antasari Azhar, who has been detained for his alleged connections to a high-profile murder.
“Since Antasari’s arrest, I have witnessed many efforts to weaken the KPK. I therefore support this CICAK movement, both as a citizen and a former KPK chief, and hope moves to weaken the corruption watchdog will end,” Erry said.
Cicak, which literally means gecko, was cited by National Police Detective Chief Comr. Gen. Susno Duadji during an interview with Tempo Magazine last week.
“Let’s just say there was a gecko and a crocodile. Why would the gecko want to attack the crocodile?” Susno said.
Activists have interpreted Susno’s reference to a gecko to mean the KPK, and the crocodile to the police.
Hundreds of people attended the event, with reputed artists Indra Bekti, Slank, and Efek Rumah Kaca also offering their support to the cause. (bbs)
