PDI-P gestures support for Bambang Widjojanto as KPK chairman

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) member Trimedya Panjaitan said that the party supports a neutral candidate for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairmanship.

However, he refused to mention the name of the party’s preferred candidate.

“Given that the KPK’s independence has been in significant decline, we have clearly stated our support for someone who is not the government’s man,” Trimedya said Sunday, as quoted by kompas.com.

The selection committee recommended Judicial Commission chairman Muhammad Busyro Muqoddas and human rights activist Bambang Widjojanto to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday.

The House of Representatives is expected to select between the two candidates.

Bambang has the leadership qualities to help the KPK become a better institution, Trimedya said.

“I have worked at the Legal Aid Institute (LBH), so I know,” he added, referring to Bambang’s previous chairmanship in the LBH.