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Calls mount for Susno's suspension, interrogation
Tensions between the police and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are being raised by calls for top police detective Comr
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ensions between the police and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are being raised by calls for top police detective Comr. Gen. Susno Duaji to be suspended.
On Sunday, Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) deputy coordinator Emerson Yuntho and Indonesia Police Watch head Neta S. Pane urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and National Police chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri to suspend Susno, the police's chief of detectives, to ensure a fair investigation into KPK deputy chairmen Chandra M. Hamzah and Bibit Samad Harianto.
Emerson said a suspension would also make the investigation more independent.
"*Susno's suspension* is important to avoid a conflict of interests *in investigating Chandra and Bibit*," he said at a press conference.
Transparency International Indonesia (TII) secretary-general Teten Masduki called on President Yudhoyono to set up an independent inquiry to check the police's dossier on Chandra and Bibit.
"The results of the independent inquiry may then be used by the President to determine disciplinary action against Susno," he told The Jakarta Post.
Former Police Institute (PTIK) governor Muhammad Farouk called on Susno to step down to maintain the police's credibility and neutrality in handling the case.
"I'm of the opinion that because this is an issue that has been widely exposed, regarding the police's credibility and integrity, Susno should step down voluntarily, with no suggestion or prodding," he said Saturday after a discussion of a newly issued regulation-in-lieu-of-law to deal with the KPK's leadership vacuum.
He added the investigation into Chandra and Bibit had so far been neither objective nor fair, because it was led by Susno, whom many believe has a grudge against the antigraft body after wiretapped the senior officer allegedly demanding a bribe from the recently bailed-out Century Bank.
"Theoretically, Susno's position as chief of detectives will influence the objectivity of the current police investigation into Bibit and Chandra," Farouk said.
Presidential adviser Adnan Buyung Nasution previously made a similar call for the police chief to suspend Susno and have him interrogated for his alleged involvement in another graft case.
Adnan added the way the police were investigating the KPK deputies was unethical and reeked of vested interests.
"The best way forward is for the police chief to suspend Susno Duaji and appoint a new chief of detectives," he said.
"Susno should then be investigated in connection with his alleged involvement in the graft case."
Adnan, also member of the five-man team appointed by the President to seek out suitably qualified people to fill in the three vacant posts at the KPK, pointed out neither Chandra nor Bibit were above taking a bribe. (hdt)
